Guest: Why policymakers need to invest in programs that address Oklahomans' food insecurity.
The USDA recently released its 2022 U.S. Household Food Security report that demonstrated what we have known for years: Oklahoma’s food insecurity rate is substantially higher than the national average. Oklahoma has so much to offer those looking for a new place to call home, but allowing our children and families to be significantly more likely to be food insecure than their counterparts across the country is not acceptable and will not attract or retain talent.
This does not have to be the case. The pandemic caused a spike in food insecurity, but it was quickly and effectively addressed with the multipronged approach of the federal government, which included expanded access to health care, grocery assistance, child care assistance and more. Nearly all boosted supports ended over the last year, while inflation and housing costs are at record levels, resulting in the steepest increase in food insecurity since the housing bubble burst in 2009.
In other words, our country responded to a national crisis by implementing profoundly effective solutions, but instead of making them permanent, we let millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans fall back into poverty.
One of these programs was Pandemic EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer), which Congress wisely adapted into the permanent Summer EBT program in legislation passed in December 2022. The USDA issued guidance allowing states, territories and tribal nations to choose by Jan. 1 to participate in the new program, but Oklahoma chose not to.
More: Oklahoma tribes to offer food assistance after state declines federal program
Summer EBT helps working families by distributing $40 per summer month per qualifying child, allowing families to purchase food in their local grocery stores or markets rather than leave work to get their children to a meal site. This is especially critical as childhood hunger spikes during the summer. Federally funded summer meals programs, such as those offered by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and Oklahoma’s two food banks help, but Oklahoma ranks 47th in the nation for participation in these programs, in part because of the rural nature of much of our state. Summer EBT would help mitigate this gap.
We are extremely disappointed that the state says it is not able to implement Summer EBT for 2024, and we are committed to working with and holding the state accountable to ensure implementation in 2025 and beyond. In the meantime, three sets of solutions can help alleviate the gaps in summer food access.
Tribal Leadership: Cherokee Nation and Chickasaw Nation will be operating Summer EBT covering a significant portion of both tribal and non-tribal children in the state. We applaud their leadership and look forward to supporting their efforts.
More: Your thoughts? The state has rejected federal funds for a summer food program for children.
Rural non-congregate summer meals
A year ago, Congress provided a new tool for states to serve rural areas where congregate meal programs are ineffective.
Hunger Free Oklahoma looks forward to working with the state Education Department to ensure effective implementation of this program to increase reach and effectiveness.
Any group interested in offering summer meals in 2024 can reach out to Hunger Free Oklahoma at hfok.org/Contact for no-cost technical assistance.
Legislative solutions
Although it seems Oklahoma will not have statewide Summer EBT in 2024, there are still several solutions before the Legislature that would increase childhood food security in Oklahoma.
Sens. Jessica Garvin, Carri Hicks and Roger Thompson all have bills filed for the upcoming legislative session that would expand access to no-cost school meals for children across the state.
In addition, Rep. Jeff Boatman has a bill that is still viable from last session that enjoyed strong, bi-partisan support in the House.
These interventions have proven to be effective in reducing child poverty and hunger rates and improving both academic and behavioral performance in school.
More: A forward-thinking legislative approach to early childhood is not just about spending money
In short, we know what works. We need the policymakers to invest in these programs. The health of our children and our economy depend on it.
Chris Bernard, recent Rodney Bivens Innovation Award winner from the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, is president/CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahomans facing hunger as state refuses federal food program
