Enid, OK — A recent budget proposal by the U.S. House could leave hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans vulnerable, as it directs the Agriculture Committee to cut $230 billion from its jurisdiction by 2034. Among the programs at risk, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — the nation’s largest food security initiative — could see significant reductions in funding.
According to Hunger Free Oklahoma, approximately 700,000 Oklahomans depend on SNAP to provide food for themselves and their families. The proposed cuts, though not yet fully detailed, are expected to reduce benefits by at least 20%, translating to a potential $300 million loss in SNAP benefits in Oklahoma every year.
Jessica Dietrich, director of government relations and public policy for Hunger Free Oklahoma, emphasized the severe consequences these cuts would have on local families. “These funds are crucial to families and communities,” Dietrich said. “While it may save some funds for the budget in the short term, it has serious long-term impacts.”
The reduction in SNAP funding would force families to make difficult decisions, Dietrich added. “Do I spend money on the medication that I need? Do I skip meals so my kids can eat? We don’t want to put any Oklahomans in that situation.”
In addition to the impact on families, experts warn that the cuts could also have serious repercussions for Oklahoma’s economy. Dietrich pointed out that the loss of SNAP funding could hurt local grocery stores, reducing their revenue and potentially affecting their ability to hire staff or stock essential products. “If you see a big drop in that revenue, that’s greatly going to impact grocery stores and the number of people that they can employ and often what products they can offer,” she explained.
As lawmakers continue to debate the proposed budget, Hunger Free Oklahoma is urging state representatives to reconsider the planned cuts. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) has acknowledged that it is still too early to determine the final outcomes of the budget discussions, but the threat of significant reductions remains a pressing concern for advocates and families across the state.
With budget negotiations still ongoing, many are left wondering how the final decision will affect the future of food security in Oklahoma and across the nation.
