Oct. 21, 2025 – The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, and its network of nearly 1,300 partners across central and western Oklahoma, stands ready to serve our neighbors impacted by the federal government shutdown. Oklahoma Human Services recently reported federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be delayed beginning Saturday, Nov. 1.
A potential delay in SNAP benefits would mean nearly 700,000 Oklahomans statewide could lose access to help that puts food on the table each month.
“As the shutdown begins to impact our neighbors through a potential delay of SNAP benefits, along with federal workers who have missed paychecks, we have been working diligently to provide food resources across our network and support our partners wherever possible,” said Stacy Dykstra, CEO of the Regional Food Bank. “Now more than ever, we must come together to support our communities and ensure that no one goes without food.”
In preparation for a long-lasting federal government shutdown, the Regional Food Bank has worked to source as much food as possible to prepare for an additional influx in the need for food assistance. Last week, the Regional Food Bank offered extra food to our network of partners.
Food assistance is available across Oklahoma through the Regional Food Bank’s partner network. Visit rfbo.org/get-help and enter your address to find Regional Food Bank partners open and available in your area.
Beyond helping Oklahomans supplement their grocery budgets, SNAP plays a critical role in reducing poverty, improving health and economic outcomes, and supporting the economy during downturns.
“Increasing access to food for Oklahomans requires a strong, public-private partnership, like SNAP, which is the nation’s first line of defense for neighbors facing hunger,” said Stacy Dykstra, the Regional Food Bank’s CEO, “We urge our Congressional delegation to pass a bipartisan bill to reopen the government.”
SNAP positively impacts local communities by generating $1.54, per every $1 of SNAP benefits used, in local economic activity as households use their benefits to shop at local grocery stores and supermarkets. In Oklahoma, SNAP can be redeemed at over 3,800 retailers.
The Regional Food Bank continues to monitor the situation.