Oklahoma’s choice to not join the new federal summer food program for children has left many advocates disheartened. Despite one in every five Oklahoma children experiencing food insecurity, Gov. Kevin Stitt’s office declined to participate, citing uncertainty about the federal administration of the program.
The Summer EBT program, which would have provided £40 per month to children who receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year, was seen as a lifeline for many families struggling to put food on the table during the summer months. President and CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma, Chris Bernard, expressed his extreme disappointment with the governor’s decision, emphasizing that the program had long been supported by advocates as a crucial initiative to address food insecurity among children in Oklahoma.
Estimates suggest that around half a million children in Oklahoma could have qualified for the Summer EBT program. Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that 403,000 children may be eligible, the number of children who were eligible for a similar program launched during the pandemic was around 640,000.
The decision not to participate in the program has raised concerns, especially considering that the state ranks 46th in measures of economics, education, health, family, and community. Additionally, nearly one in every five children in Oklahoma faces food insecurity, according to the most recent Kids Count annual report.
Despite this setback, there is hope that Oklahoma will participate in the future. According to Bernard, while the state may not be planning to implement the program this summer, ongoing advocacy efforts will continue to push for the state to do so in 2025 and in the years to come.
It’s not just Oklahoma that has declined to participate in the program. A total of 36 states, tribes, and territories notified the USDA of their participation in the food program while some states, including Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Texas, opted out due to concerns about the program’s cost. Although the decision not to participate in 2024 is disappointing, the federal government has left the door open for states to participate in future years.
Despite the state’s decision, some Oklahoma families will still receive summer food benefits through the program. Both the Cherokee Nation and Chickasaw Nation have signed up, allowing students attending public schools on their reservation territories to receive the funds.
In conclusion, the decision not to participate in the Summer EBT program has undoubtedly disappointed many advocates for children’s well-being. However, there is hope that ongoing advocacy and collaboration with tribal nations will continue to address the issue of food insecurity and provide support to as many children and families as possible across the state of Oklahoma.
