Oklahoma Government Turns Down Federal Money To Supplement Summer Feeding Programs For Children

Oklahoma has turned down an estimated $48 million dollars in federal money intended to supplement summer feeding programs for children.

The USDA is expanding the existing SNAP program by adding $120 per child to the benefit, but only in states that agree to take it. Thirty-two states, two of Oklahoma's tribes, and four territories accepted the offer.

Governor Kevin Stitt rejected the notion that children might go hungry this summer.

"I am satisfied that kids are going to be fed in the summertime through the regular course of DHS and programs for the needy that we have in the State of Oklahoma," he said, adding that because the USDA hasn't finalized the rules of the program, the State couldn't determine what conditions the Biden administration might include.

"We pushed back as the Biden Administration has tried to push social policies down related to funding," he said.

The Eastern Oklahoma Food Bank reports distributing the equivalent of 25 million meals last year, and demand is increasing. The additional USDA benefit would provide for about 400,000 children, while 1 in 5 Oklahoma children currently deal with hunger.

The Chickasaw and Cherokee Nations opted in. Cherokee Chief Chuck Hoskin called it 'regrettable and bewildering' that Oklahoma is 'abandoning federal funding and losing an opportunity' to address food insecurity.

Joe Dorman, CEO of The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, said the expanded benefit would have helped entire communities.

"A benefit that families could spend in grocery stores and that would help the stores and communities and provide the food these children need in summer months," he said.

The USDA has run trials of the program in several states and said, "This summer feeding model is proven to reduce child hunger and increase healthy eating, and we are excited about the number of states, tribes and territories who recognize its potential for giving children the best possible start at a good life.”

Governor Stitt said the existing programs and the current benefits are meeting the need.

"Oklahoma already has multiple programs to serve food insecure children across Oklahoma, including SNAP benefits, Oklahoma State Department of Education Summer Food Program and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Summer Feeding Program," he said.