Legislative Updates:
The U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee passed a Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill last month, that, unfortunately, falls far short of the goals and priorities we laid out for legislators. The Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act of 2016 (H.R. 5003) contains numerous provisions that would roll back years of progress, and includes a dangerous proposal to block-grant the federal child nutrition programs, all of which diminish their ability to reduce childhood hunger. Hundreds of national, state, and local organizations have signed this letter urging our Members of Congress to oppose this harmful bill. Please contact your U.S. Representative today and let them know how important these programs are in making sure Oklahoma’s children do not go hungry.

The Executive Director of the Shawnee Food and Resource Center recently met with members of the Oklahoma Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. and discussed the importance of passing meaningful legislation that strengthens our federal child nutrition programs. Visits like this are critical in ensuring that our members of Congress understand the importance of protecting programs that help alleviate hunger.

The Oklahoma State Legislative session has ended, but there is much work left to be done. While we saw a few victories, this legislative session largely fell far short of achieving the types of reforms that would ensure that prosperity is available to all Oklahomans. Regrettably, and in spite of widespread opposition, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a critical tax credit for working families, was eliminated. We also saw a last-minute budget that relies too heavily on one-time funds, and unprecedented cuts to public agencies who serve some of our state’s most vulnerable citizens. On the positive side, the harmful bill that would have kicked 110,00 low-income Oklahomans off of Medicaid died in committee, and a bill that helps protect the assets of low-income homeowners who have served in our military was signed into law.

• Contact your U.S. Representative using this letter and ask them to oppose H.R. 5003 as it is written.
  • Organizations, sign here.
• Register to vote! It’s simple: go to this website, print off an application, and mail it to the Oklahoma State Election Board.
  • If you want to receive a ballot in the mail for every election you’re eligible to vote in, fill out this online application too.
  • To confirm that you’re registered to vote, or to find your polling place, click here.

Did You Know?
Oklahoma ranks last in the nation for the percentage of eligible students that receive summer meals, with only 6% of eligible children receiving meals during summer 2015. Source: USDA and Feeding America
 

Together, we can solve hunger in Oklahoma. Thank you for your continued support, 

Effie Craven, MPH 
State Advocacy and Public Policy Director
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma | Oklahoma City | www.regionalfoodbank.org 
Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma | Tulsa | www.okfoodbank.org
405-600-3129 | ecraven@regionalfoodbank.org