The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is urging Congress 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 difficult times, such as an unexpected loss of income. It supports working families, children, veterans, and seniors while helping mothers have healthier pregnancies, giving babies a healthy start, and supporting children's growth and development.
At a time when rising food prices are pushing more Oklahoma families to the brink, any disruption to SNAP would have 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. Under the new funding change, Oklahoma would be responsible for 15% of SNAP benefit costs, an estimated $236 million, unless a delay is granted. These costs are calculated based on a state’s rate of administrative errors in processing SNAP benefits.
The District of Columbia and six states with higher error rates have already been given an extra one to two years to prepare for these changes. That means states like Oklahoma with better accuracy are unfairly penalized. We are asking Congress to level the playing field by giving states like Oklahoma the same opportunity to improve their systems before shifting significant new costs onto state budgets and taxpayers.
The accelerated cost shift is already forcing many states to divert resources away from long-term improvements to the systems that administer SNAP. They are having to reduce staff and benefits simply to comply. That is the opposite of what leads to better administration.
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 children, veterans, seniors, and other Oklahomans experiencing hunger
- Allow time for states to reduce error rates responsibly
- Give states like Oklahoma with better accuracy the same opportunity to improve their systems as states that performed worse
- Avoid shifting sudden costs onto state budgets, local systems, and taxpayers
- Strengthen, not weaken, the food safety net in Oklahoma
Congressional debate is expected soon. Without action, Oklahomans could face these consequences before the state has a fair opportunity to improve its systems.