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commentary
August 15, 2024
Fighting childhood hunger should be a top priority for all levels of government
By JOE DORMAN OICACEO

OKLAHOMA CITY – As a number of school districts move to make meals free for students, now is a perfect time to address the larger issue of childhood hunger.

The facts show childhood hunger is a real problem across Oklahoma, and we at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) applaud the

school districts stepping up to fight it with free meals for all students.

This positive move by some districts puts into specific relief the issue of summertime child hunger when most schools do not offer meals. One answer is Summer EBT, which Oklahoma turned down for this last summer.

The deadline for Oklahoma to sign up for Summer 2025 EBT funding is this very Thursday, August 15. This would bring back from Washington about $48 million of our federal tax dollars direct to families to help feed hungry children. Hunger Free Oklahoma reports Oklahoma has about 403,000 children eligible to receive the Summer EBT benefit.

Now, some school districts and nonprofits are able to provide summer lunches. However, only 4.3 out of every 100 eligible children in Oklahoma participated in Summer Meals programs in 2023. This is because most schools do not operate their cafeterias during those months and the nonprofit sector is simply not able to reach these children, especially in the rural areas.

That is why the Summer EBT benefit is so important. Our neighboring state of Arkansas accepted the money for this year. Alabama, who – like Oklahoma turned down the money in 2024 has already accepted the funding for 2025.

We encourage Oklahoma leaders to follow suit and join in with this program to help feed hungry children in our state.

Another feeding program, the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), is an alternative to household applications for free and reduced-price meals in local educational agencies and schools in high-poverty areas. A new guideline implemented last September expanded the number of districts that can apply for funds to provide free meals.

Unfortunately, not all Oklahoma school districts that qualify will seek this support for their students. You can go to https://tinyurl.

https://ti- com/CEPSpread-Sheet to see if your school district qualifies and if they currently operate this program. While it is too late for this current school year, the deadline to apply for next year is April 1, so school boards and administrators should start reviewing this now.

CEP – and all models for providing healthy school meals for all at no cost – is often a winwin for schools, kids, families, and communities, providing many benefits, including:

• Lowering food costs for families.

• Increasing food and nutrition security.

• Eliminating school meal debt.

• Increasing student participation in school breakfast and lunch programs.

• Saving time by simplifying program operations for hardworking school nutrition staff.

Eligible schools and local education agencies must consider their ability to provide meals at no cost and cover their operating costs with this federal assistance and any other available funds, including state and/or local funds, if available.

Additionally, the federal Agriculture Department (USDA) supports expanded access to healthy school meals by offering extensive financial support for schools.

Even so, it is not enough. The Summer EBT, pumping $48 million dollars into families’ pockets and local economies across the state, is the best step to ensure many of Oklahoma’s children do not needlessly suffer from the pain of hunger.

We at OICA implore the state leaders to accept the return of our tax dollars for children’s meals and ask each of you to reach out to school leaders in your communities and state policymakers to ensure we do everything possible to ease childhood hunger.

Local church supports those with disabilities
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Local church supports those with disabilities
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Juvenile dies following accident near Longtown
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The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports that a juvenile, whose name and age are being withheld, was fatally injured in a single-vehicle accident that took place at about 10:30 p.m. on July 4. The deceased...
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Checotah bandies recognized at TMALA
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Class of Checotah band students were recently recognized at Texoma Marching Arts and Leadership Academy (TMALA). TMALA Band Leadership was led by Ryan Edgmon, Director of Bands for Mustang Public Scho...
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Supporters walk to raise awareness against sexual assault
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The Muscogee (Creek) Nation held its Sexual Assault Awareness Walk (SAAM) last Friday, July 12, at 12 p.m. in Posey Park. The event was originally scheduled for April but was rained out. Community sup...
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Oktaha Trinity Baptist Church Vacation Bible School
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The Great Jungle Journey An Epic Cruise from Genesis to Revelation July 21- 25 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Ages: 4-12 years Dinner will be provided.
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Preliminary hearing set for man charged with murder
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Following a competency hearing on July 9, Wilburton resident Glen Edward Calvin, 54, was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing in McIntosh County District Court at 2 p.m. Aug. 20. On a charge of...
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