With the federal government shutdown ongoing, Oklahoma officials and anti-hunger advocates are warning that funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could run out this week. About 700,000 Oklahomans, half of them children, depend on SNAP, and experts say the potential halt in benefits could devastate families as November 1 approaches.
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Severe Impact on Families Facing Food Insecurity
Jay Paul Gumm, communications director at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, called the looming funding lapse “a tough time” for families. According to Feeding America, one in four Oklahoma children already faces hunger. Chris Bernard, CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma, said the number of children losing SNAP benefits would equal “three-point three OU stadiums full of kids.” He warned of an “unprecedented loss of resources” if Congress fails to act.
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Calls for Congress to Protect SNAP Funding
Advocates say Congress could pass a measure to fund SNAP independently from the rest of the budget, a move Gumm said “would be a good thing.” Bernard noted that some states, including Louisiana, are considering emergency legislative action to cover SNAP if federal funding lapses. “Several other states are looking at that, too,” he said.
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Guidance for Families on SNAP
Bernard encouraged families to seek alternative aid if benefits stop. “If you have a kid under five and you’re not on WIC, look into applying,” he said, noting that the Women, Infants, and Children program has not announced shutdown disruptions. Gumm also urged families to plan ahead: “Stock your pantry with what you can with any SNAP benefits you have available. Nothing is more important than getting a good meal.”
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Advocates Condemn Political Standoff Over Basic Needs
Nonprofits across Oklahoma are stepping up donations to help fill the gap, but advocates argue the responsibility lies with lawmakers. “It’s a shame that it’s necessary,” Gumm said. “It’s sad that this is a completely man-made crisis.” Bernard criticized the political gridlock: “It’s this game of chicken that is being played with the lives of six hundred and seventy-five thousand Oklahomans.”
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Pressure Mounts on Washington to End Shutdown
Both Bernard and Gumm said they expect Congress to act quickly to restore funding. “To step up, make the tough decisions, and make sure this gets funded,” Bernard said. They emphasized that the longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the toll on families, food banks, and local economies.