The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) served nearly 30,000 students and 650,000 meals this summer through two essential food assistance programs: the Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) Program and the Summer Food Service Program. The initiatives fill gaps in food assistance left by the absence of school meals during the summer break.
“Food scarcity doesn’t stop because school is out, and the rising cost of food is impacting families deeply,” said Shelly Rector, senior director of health services food and nutrition programs for the Choctaw Nation.
The Summer EBT program provided grocery benefits worth $40 per child per month to qualifying families from mid-May through early August. The program served nearly 30,000 students from 83 schools across the reservation.
The federally funded program was open to all individuals within the Choctaw Nation who met the eligibility requirements, regardless of their tribal affiliation.
In addition, the Summer Food Service Program provided more than 650,000 free grab-and-go meal kits for children under the age of 18, regardless of income or tribal affiliation. The kits included breakfasts, lunches, snacks and milk for a week. Meals were available at 11 locations throughout the reservation.
“This is one of the Choctaw Nation’s most utilized programs, and it’s clear there is a need,” said Rector. “We were determined to help thousands of children enjoy nutritious meals all summer long.”