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Capitol Insider: Latest News on Food Insecurity Policy & Advocacy (October 2024)

by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist State Updates Friday, October 11 was the deadline to register to vote in the November 2024 elections in Oklahoma.In-person early voting begins October 30 and runs through November 2. Early voting hours on the weekdays are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on November 2 from […]

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Capitol Insider: Latest News on Food Insecurity Policy & Advocacy (September 2024)

by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist State Updates State Question 832 is a state question proposing to raise the minimum wage in Oklahoma and will be put to a vote of the people, but it won’t be on November 5. According to Misha Mohr, public information officer at the State Election Board, […]

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Summer EBT Program Update: What’s Next for 2025

In recent days, we’ve been navigating a flurry of developments regarding the Summer EBT program and its future in our state. Here’s a quick overview of where things stand:

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Capitol Insider: Latest News on Food Insecurity Policy & Advocacy (August 2024)

by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist, and Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy State Legislative Updates 2024 Interim Studies Interim studies are an opportunity for legislators to learn more about a given issue before the next legislative session begins. The goal is to inform lawmakers’ next likely policy priorities. […]

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Capitol Insider: Latest News on Food Insecurity Policy & Advocacy (July 2024)

House Speaker Charles McCall will announce his approval or disapproval of proposed House interim studies no later than July 26. A few studies relevant to poverty, hunger, and child well-being include:

IS 24-048, Rep. Schreiber: Is lack of childcare an impediment to economic growth and sustainability for Oklahoma?

IS 24-055, Rep. Pae and Rep. Alonso-Sandoval: Rural Healthcare Access

IS 24-085, Rep. Caldwell: Low Income Housing for Homeless in Rural Areas

IS 24-096, Rep. Waldron, Sen. Kirt: Exploring County Jail Services and Diversion Programs in Oklahoma

IS 24-099, Rep. Waldron: Improving Family Outcomes through School-Based Social Work in Oklahoma

To view the full list of approved House interim studies, visit https://former.okhouse.gov/Committees/ShowInterimStudies.aspx.

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Capitol Insider: Latest News on Food Insecurity Policy & Advocacy (June 2024)

The Oklahoma Legislature adjourned from regular session on May 30, 2024, one day before constitutionally required. Since then, the Governor signed the budget and many additional bills into law. While the legislative session is over, there were several missed opportunities to invest in improving food security for Oklahomans. We will continue our work in the interim to build a better understanding of the issues for state legislators.

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Group of people smiling for the camera with legislator in US Capitol setting

Congressional Visits: Making Advocacy Easy and Accessible

On June 5, a team representing Hunger Free Oklahoma (HFO), the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma went to Washington, D.C. where they discussed the upcoming Farm Bill with our Oklahoma delegation. For several, it was their first time to make Congressional visits. Here is a glimpse into some of their experiences, proving that anyone passionate about these issues can engage with their elected officials.

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Summer EBT: Providing a Healthy Summer for Kids

The Muscogee Nation is partnering with the Chickasaw Nation, the Cherokee Nation, Hunger Free Oklahoma, and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to introduce the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children (Summer EBT) to the Muscogee Nation Reservation. Summer EBT provides additional nutritional support to eligible children during the summer months when they do not have access to school meals.

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Making Summer Nutrition a SNAP: A Grocery Assistance Explainer

As summer approaches, households with school-age children can find themselves in a tough position. Without school to supplement some of their kids’ nutrition needs throughout the day, grocery budgets get stretched and what a family can afford may be limited.

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State Capitol ceiling

Capitol Insider: Latest News on Food Insecurity Policy & Advocacy (May 2024)

Budget negotiations seem to be drawing to a close, just in the nick of time as the Legislature’s May 31 deadline to adjourn sine die swiftly approaches. Last week, House and Senate leaders reported reaching an agreement on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, and even scheduled sessions on Memorial Day to tie up loose strings before the end of the week.

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More than 100 people gathered in the rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol building.

Capitol Insider: Latest News on Food Insecurity Policy & Advocacy (April 2024)

It’s a busy week at the Capitol! February 26 and 29 are the first series of deadlines for filed legislation to make it out of committee. While it’s still early in the session, after this week we’ll have a better idea of which bills stand a fighting chance to make it all the way to the Governor’s desk.

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State Capitol ceiling

Capitol Insider: Latest News on Food Insecurity Policy & Advocacy (March 2024)

It’s a busy week at the Capitol! February 26 and 29 are the first series of deadlines for filed legislation to make it out of committee. While it’s still early in the session, after this week we’ll have a better idea of which bills stand a fighting chance to make it all the way to the Governor’s desk.

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State Capitol ceiling

Capitol Insider: Latest News on Food Insecurity Policy & Advocacy (February 2024)

It’s a busy week at the Capitol! February 26 and 29 are the first series of deadlines for filed legislation to make it out of committee. While it’s still early in the session, after this week we’ll have a better idea of which bills stand a fighting chance to make it all the way to the Governor’s desk.

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Hunger Free Oklahoma Applauds Permanent Child Nutrition Investments in Omnibus

Congress is on the cusp of advancing a critical end-of-year omnibus spending package that will make two much-needed, though limited, improvements to federal child nutrition programs.

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Working together for a hunger free Oklahoma.

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