OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma lawmakers are turning their attention to one of the state’s most persistent challenges: hunger. Two recent interim studies at the State Capitol focused on food insecurity and childhood hunger, calling for stronger partnerships and data-driven solutions to ensure every Oklahoman has access to healthy, affordable food.
Rep. Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, led an interim study on food insecurity that brought together state agencies, tribal nations, schools, food banks and community organizations.
“Food insecurity is not a talking point, it is a kitchen- table reality,” Pittman said. “Our goal was simple: stop admiring the problem and line up what works, from retail incentives and mobile markets to smarter transportation and farm-to-community pipelines. If a policy does not move groceries, improve health or respect people’s time and dignity, then it is not a solution for families.”
The study highlighted ideas such as small-store grocery conversions in food deserts, better coordination between transportation and mobile food programs and expanded farm-to-community partnerships connecting Oklahoma farmers with schools and clinics.
“Food insecurity impacts one in six Oklahomans, and we see its effects every day in communities across our state,” said Stephanie Harris, Chief Impact Officer for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “Tackling this crisis requires all of us: nonprofits, businesses, faith groups and government agencies working together.”
Stakeholders emphasized collaboration between tribal nations, healthcare providers, and local governments. Pittman said upcoming legislation will focus on piloting healthy food retail incentives and streamlining SNAP and WIC enrollment.
“This is about stewardship with a commonsense approach,” Pittman said. “We can honor how communities have always cared for each other, churches, tribes, neighbors while using data to put resources exactly where they work best. Tradition meets innovation and families win.”
In a separate interim study, Reps. Annie Menz, D-Norman; Ellen Pogemille, D-Oklahoma City; and John Waldron, D-Tulsa; examined the growing issue of childhood hunger in Oklahoma.
The study found that 64% of Oklahoma families qualify for free or reduced lunches, and one in four children is food insecure. Oklahoma ranks 46th in the nation for food insecurity.
“Food insecurity has lasting health costs for our state,” Pogemiller said. “When we expand access to SNAP, school meals and summer feeding, we invest in healthier kids and stronger communities.”
Experts warned that food insecurity among teens can harm mental health and increase the risk of suicide. National data presented in the study showed that 77% of American youth do not meet physical qualifications for military service, linking childhood malnutrition to broader national security concerns.
“Investing in solutions to childhood hunger isn’t just feeding children, it’s fueling the future,” Menz said. “Every meal given today nourishes a mind, strengthens a community and builds a more prosperous society for us all.”
Waldron added that schools are key to fighting hunger. “Schools’ lunch and breakfast programs are a win-win,” he said. “Feeding kids boosts health and nutrition, behavior, and test scores. Oklahoma is a farm state where no child should go hungry.”
Both studies called for bipartisan cooperation to address food insecurity through smarter policy, local partnerships, and stronger state investment. As Pittman summed up, “Families win when we match community wisdom with evidence-based policy.”