Nov. 17, 2025 – Late Wednesday, Nov. 12, President Donald Trump signed legislation to fund the government, ending the longest government shutdown in United States history. Here is a statement from Stacy Dykstra, Regional Food Bank CEO, on the ending of the shutdown:

“The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma applauds our federal leaders for reopening the federal government. This is a crucial step forward that will offer much-needed relief to federal workers and the thousands of Oklahoma families who have been impacted by the disruption of SNAP benefits.

Much like the aftermath of a natural disaster, we know that recovery takes time. Even as operations resume, the ripple effects of the longest shutdown in U.S. history and first ever lapse in SNAP funding will continue to be felt by our neighbors and communities in the weeks ahead. Many households will need extra support as they work to regain stability and catch up on missed paychecks, bills and essentials.

At the Regional Food Bank, in collaboration with our network of partners, we remain committed to ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food during this recovery period and beyond. We continue to rely on the generosity of our community and partners to keep our shelves stocked and our network strong. Together, we can help ensure that no one is left behind by the impacts of this shutdown.”

Over the weekend, full SNAP benefits began flowing to Oklahomans, providing neighbors with funds to supplement their November grocery budgets.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services has partnered with the Regional Food Bank and the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma to offer limited emergency food boxes to eligible SNAP participants who have been impacted by the federal government shutdown. These resources are available to households who have at least one of the following:

• A child under age 18
• An elderly household member (age 60 or older)
• A household member determined disabled by the Social Security Administration

To request an emergency food box, individuals should visit okdhs.org/shutdown. Once there, click on ‘How do I get a referral to a food bank?’ to access and complete the short Referral Form.

The OKDHS team will confirm eligibility and share information with the food banks. Food boxes for SNAP recipients in the 53 counties served by the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma will be mailed to those who qualify. Supplies are limited as funding for this program is limited to $1 million per week statewide. Each emergency food box typically contains shelf-stable items, such as canned proteins, vegetables, grains and snacks.

If you are in need of further food assistance, please click the button below to find a Regional Food Bank partner in your area.