It is estimated that in the state of Oklahoma, an alarming proportion of its population faces food insecurity. One in every six adults and one in every four children are at risk of going hungry. This significant issue has led the state's food security leaders to take a stand and advocate for change.

"Oklahoma's Hunger Battle: Urgent Need for Farm Bill Support"

Section 1: The Scale of Food Insecurity

In Oklahoma, the numbers paint a concerning picture. One in six adults and one in four children are struggling to access enough food. This means that a large portion of the population is constantly at risk of hunger. Stacy Dykstra, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, which serves 53 out of the state's 77 counties, highlights the severity of the situation. "We have seen a significant increase in the demand for our services," she says. "In FY ’24 alone, we witnessed a 23 percent rise in the services we provided." This data clearly shows the growing need for food assistance in the state.The impact of food insecurity is not limited to just the number of people affected. It also has a ripple effect on communities and families. Megan Quickle, Executive Director of Broken Arrow Neighbors, a food pantry in Eastern Oklahoma, emphasizes this. "Hunger is not a political issue; it's a human rights issue," she states. From her perspective, the right to food is increasingly in jeopardy. Since 2020, the demand for services at Broken Arrow Neighbors has quadrupled. "The need has grown so much in our communities and across the state," she explains. This highlights the urgent need for action to address food insecurity.

Section 2: The Role of the Farm Bill

The Farm Bill plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity in Oklahoma. It enables the provision of essential services and advocacy by food security leaders. Megan Quickle explains, "That's why we're here, urging the delegation to pass a new five-year Farm Bill. It's what makes our work possible." The Farm Bill provides the necessary funding and support to ensure that food banks and hunger prevention groups can continue to serve their communities.Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK3), a member of the House Agriculture Committee with decades of experience writing Farm Bills, understands the importance of this legislation. "There's lots of discussion as we change administrations," he says. While it's too late in this Congress to do much other than extend the current Farm Bill, he is confident that the new Congress, under GOP leadership, will pass a new one that meets the current needs. "I don't think we will step back on our commitments to help our fellow citizens," he states.

Section 3: The Efforts of Food Bank Leaders

Stacy Dykstra and Megan Quickle, along with leaders from other food banks and hunger prevention groups across Oklahoma, are working tirelessly to make a difference. They are visiting each member of the delegation to impress upon them the importance of the Farm Bill. "We're all here working together to bring awareness to hunger in Oklahoma," Quickle says. Their efforts are not in vain. They have seen some support from members of the delegation, but not everyone is as understanding.Despite the challenges, these leaders remain committed to their cause. They know that every little bit helps in the fight against hunger. As Dykstra states, "We feel good about their commitment to trying to do what's right by it. We will continue to advocate and work towards a solution."In conclusion, the food insecurity crisis in Oklahoma is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Through the efforts of food security leaders and the support of the Farm Bill, there is hope for a better future. But it will take the collective effort of everyone to make a significant impact.