NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) – SNAP recipients are bracing for impact after Oklahoma Human Services says come November 1, federal dollars that fund the feeding program could be suspended if the government shutdown continues.
“Oklahoma is one of the most food-insecure states in the nation,” said Jessice Dietrich with Hunger Free Oklahoma.
Hunger Free Oklahoma says Oklahoma relies heavily on SNAP to keep food on tables.
“According to Feeding America, we ranked 46th in food insecurity,” said Dietrich. “We also know that nearly 700,000 Oklahomans participate in SNAP each month.”
Nevaeh Harnsberger is a college student at OU, and she depends on SNAP.
“I do save jobs to make money for personal necessities and for my pet,” said Harnsberger. “Food stamps just kind of help make sure I always have food, and I never have to worry about that.”
She says the economy is already hard enough, but the shutdown is bringing more challenges not only to her life but to thousands of others in Oklahoma.
“As a person who had that struggle as a kid, whether there would be food on the table one night or not, it’s just very devastating to know that other kids will have that problem,” said Harnsberger.
Hunger Free Oklahoma says SNAP brings in $100 million a month for Oklahoma alone. Adding that number is far beyond any organization’s annual budget, including local food banks.
They say that resources like SNAP are crucial.