Farm Bill Update
With less than two weeks to go before the expiration of the current Farm Bill, lawmakers still have not reached agreement on a number of key differences between the House and Senate versions of the legislation. Conferees did not formally meet last week because the House has been out of session.Thank you to everyone who called and emailed our federal legislators on September 13th! We must continue to call and email our legislators to ensure that they pass a Farm Bill that protects and strengthens the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
Food Insecurity & Poverty in Oklahoma
In September, the U.S. Census Bureau and the USDA released their annual reports about the current state of poverty and food insecurity in the United States. Here are a few key findings from Oklahoma.
- People living in poverty are disproportionately children. More than 1 in 5 Oklahoma children live in a household with income below the poverty line.
- Oklahoma's uninsured rate increased from 13.8 percent to 14.2 percent.
- Oklahoma's food insecurity rate (15 percent) is higher than the national average (12.3 percent).
Feeding Oklahoma:
Gov. Mary Fallin’s annual Feeding Oklahoma Drive kicks off on Oct. 1 with the goal of raising enough food and funds to provide 2 million meals to families, children and seniors living with hunger in Oklahoma. The month-long drive benefits the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and their partner agencies across the state.
“While many of us can’t imagine not knowing where our next meal is coming from, it’s a reality for thousands of people in our state,” said Gov. Fallin. “This drive is an opportunity for all Oklahomans to come together and donate food and funds to ensure our hungry neighbors have food on their table this winter. I know we can count on the giving spirit of our neighbors to help.”
To participate in the food and fund drive, visit www.feedingoklahoma.org. All donations are tax deductible and will benefit Oklahomans with inconsistent access to food.
Mark Your Calendar:
Last day to register to vote: October 12
Deadline to request absentee ballot: 5 p.m. on October 31
Visit the Oklahoma State Election Board to learn more about voter registration in Oklahoma.
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