Fighting Hunger in Oklahoma—Amid Federal Funding Threats

As Congress works on the federal budget, Hunger Free Oklahoma urges representatives to protect programs that provide a safety net between hunger and stability for Oklahomans. 

According to Hunger Free Oklahoma, an anti-hunger organization dedicated to improving food access for everyone in our state, proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and other services that threaten vulnerable populations. SNAP served nearly 700,000 Oklahomans in 2024, pumping $1.5 billion in tax dollars back into the economy.

According to HFO, the House’s recent budget proposal directs the Agriculture Committee to cut programs by $230 billion through 2034, with the funding for the nation’s largest food security program, SNAP, particularly at risk. Though specific approaches to the cuts have not been announced, the suggested reductions could decrease benefits by at least 20%, compounding food insecurity amidst the rising cost of living and overburdened food banks. Such measures would especially affect children, older people, and individuals with disabilities.

“Cuts to SNAP will increase food insecurity and damage our local economies,” said Hunger Free Oklahoma President/CEO Chris Bernard. “SNAP and Medicaid have been shown to increase educational outcomes, reduce chronic illness, and reduce the likelihood that children on the programs will continue to need them as adults. Put simply, they save money in the long term by decreasing costs and producing healthy citizens. Any cuts to these programs are shortsighted and will cost us much more than it may appear to save.”

He said Hunger Free Oklahoma urges Congress to consider the profound human and economic consequences of cutting essential safety net programs. “We stand ready to collaborate with representatives to develop fiscally responsible solutions that uphold the dignity and well-being of all Oklahomans.”

Hunger Free Oklahoma is an anti-hunger organization dedicated to improving food access for all Oklahomans. HFO leverages the power of collaboration to solve hunger in  Oklahoma by improving systems, policies, and practices. Learn more at  HungerFreeOK.org.

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