The new requirement could put food assistance for Oklahoma families at risk.
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is urging Congress to add a provision to the Senate Farm Bill or other farmer relief legislation to delay implementation of this new requirement. This would give the state time to strengthen its systems without disrupting food assistance for Oklahoma families.
Why This Matters for Oklahoma
SNAP helps about 1 in 6 Oklahomans afford food during periods of instability, like unexpected income loss, reaching working families, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. What it does for maternal and child health—supporting healthier pregnancies, infant nutrition, and early development—speaks to how critical the program is for Oklahoma families.
Currently, rising food prices are driving food insecurity higher across the state, and any disruption to SNAP carries serious consequences. Local charities and food banks cannot replace a federal program of this scale.
SNAP Update: What Changed
Right now, SNAP food benefits are 100% federally funded. With the new requirement, Oklahoma must cover 15% of SNAP benefit costs because the state's payment error rate exceeds 6%. This means the state would be responsible for $236 million in costs unless a delay is granted.
States like ours urgently need more time to make system improvements to reduce our error rate since they require updates, staffing capacity, and administrative support. Without more time, the rule could take effect before the state is ready, creating sudden budget pressure and putting food access at risk for families and children who are already struggling.
Take Action
Join us in asking Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) and Sen. Alan Armstrong (R-OK) to add a provision to the Senate Farm Bill or other farmer relief legislation that delays implementation of the new SNAP cost-sharing requirement so we can:
- Protect SNAP access for families and children
- Allow time for states to reduce error rates responsibly
- Avoid shifting sudden costs onto state budgets and local systems
- Strengthen, not weaken, the food safety net
Congressional debate is expected soon. Without action, Oklahomans could face these consequences before the state has a fair opportunity to improve its systems.