September 2026 Policy Updates
Thank you to everyone who is participating in the Hunger Action Month Network Contest! Don’t forget to complete the form to share your Hunger Action Month activities by Oct. 5 and be entered into our raffle for a chance to win a $250 agency credit.
Reminder: Wear orange for Hunger Action Day on Tuesday, Sept. 29!
Please send pictures of your activities throughout the month and any questions to Sara Swise, advocacy specialist, and tag us on social media.
Thank you for making every month Hunger Action Month!
SNAP Outreach Materials
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services has shared materials with the Regional Food Bank to help educate SNAP recipients on changes to the program following H.R. 1, as well as guidance for potential applicants. We would appreciate your help in sharing these with neighbors!
You can use this Volunteer Hours Form to track hours for anyone volunteering at your agency to help meet SNAP work requirements.
If you have any questions about these materials or need assistance communicating SNAP changes to neighbors, contact Sara Swise, advocacy specialist.
SNAP Administrative Costs
Starting Oct. 1, states will take on a larger percentage of SNAP administrative costs, increasing from 50% to 75%. The federal government will now only pay 25% of these costs.
The timeline for many states to begin paying a portion of SNAP benefit costs is still being debated. On Sept. 16, the Senate Agriculture Committee advanced a Farm Bill proposal that includes a one-year delay for the SNAP benefit cost shift, allowing states the option to use their FY26 or FY27 SNAP payment error rate to determine their FY29 cost shift amount. It would also increase the highest future cost shift penalty from 15% to 20%. This proposal can now advance to the Senate floor for a vote, though the timeline is unclear.
Oklahoma could owe nearly $240 million in 2027 if a delay is not granted through the Farm Bill or another legislative vehicle. Anti-hunger advocates continue to push for a two-year delay that gives all states an equal chance to strengthen and protect their SNAP programs. The Regional Food Bank has been meeting with our federal delegation to share these priorities.
You can check out the Regional Food Bank’s advocacy page rfbo.org/advocate to learn more about the SNAP cost shift and share your perspective with our members of Congress.
Nov. 3 General Election
Don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3! You can register to vote, check your voter registration, view a sample ballot, and request an absentee ballot on the OK Voter Portal.
Want to learn more about advocacy and how you play a role? Check out the Feeding America Network Advocacy Training for Community Partners.
Hunger Simulation
Would you like your team or community to have a deeper understanding of the impacts of hunger on Oklahomans? Reach out to us about our Hunger Simulation, which allows participants to experience the challenges and tradeoffs our neighbors experiencing hunger face daily.
The simulation allows for thoughtful discussion on barriers and solutions to nutritious food access, as well as education about what the Regional Food Bank and our partners do to support Oklahomans facing hunger.
If you would like us to facilitate a Hunger Simulation for your team or community, please contact Sara Swise, advocacy specialist.
