Governor Stitt, Speaker Hilbert, Pro Tem Paxton Announce a Vote to Make Funds Available to Food Banks Serving All 77 Counties
Governor Kevin Stitt, Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert, and Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton today announced they will vote to make $1 million per week available to Oklahoma’s food banks serving all 77 counties for up to seven weeks, contingent upon lack of federal funding for SNAP during the Schumer Shutdown. The plan prioritizes immediate support for vulnerable elderly, disabled, and child SNAP recipients while federal operations remain disrupted.
“Oklahomans always step up for each other in times of need, and together we’re making sure our most vulnerable neighbors have the resources they need to get through this unnecessary Schumer Shutdown,” said the leaders in a joint statement. “This targeted emergency support, alongside the tireless work of our local food banks, will provide weekly food provisions to elderly, disabled, and child SNAP recipients across our 77 counties during periods in which SNAP federal funding is unavailable. We encourage every business and nonprofit in the state to join us and be a neighbor to those in need during this time of uncertainty.
The funding will be deployed from the State Emergency Fund, which currently holds $7.8 million. Following a Contingency Review Board meeting to be held Monday evening, and with approval by the Board and the appropriate state authorities, funds will become available for immediate deployment. Weekly allocations will be issued only if the federal shutdown impacts to SNAP continue and the prior week’s funds have been expended.
“Funding from the State of Oklahoma is extremely helpful as the Regional Food Bank for Oklahoma works to be as deliberate as possible to find every food resource we can and distribute it to our network in an intentional manner,” Stacy Dykstra, President and CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “This amount represents only a fraction of what will be required; however, it will provide critical support allowing us to begin getting meals to the most vulnerable Oklahomans.”
“The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and The Regional Food Bank of OK are grateful for the state’s support as we work to meet the needs of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable,” said Jeff Marlow, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. “This funding will help us reach some of those affected by the SNAP funding freeze. However, a long-term solution requires immediate federal action to restore full support for families who depend on SNAP. These emergency resources will be prioritized for our most vulnerable SNAP recipients, which include our elderly, disabled, and children.”
Governor Stitt, Speaker Hilbert, and Pro Tem Paxton called on Oklahoma companies and non-profits to match this commitment through financial contributions or by lending their workforce to support deliveries to homebound individuals. Community partners are encouraged to mobilize alongside the state to ensure no vulnerable neighbor goes without food.
Oklahomans facing hardship can visit www.BeANeighbor.org to find food assistance closest in their area. Residents who are able to help are also encouraged to use the site to identify volunteer opportunities and ways to contribute to their local community.
