SNAP benefits are being suspended in November

The government shutdown is forcing a pause on food stamps starting in November.

According to a statement from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, are suspended starting Nov. 1.

On average, more than 116,000 Tulsa County residents used food stamps each month in 2024, according to OKDHS.

Current SNAP benefits are usable through Oct. 31. However, the state agency said it is unclear whether existing balances will still be available when the suspension begins.

“We’re super concerned,” said Chris Bernard, CEO of the nonprofit Hunger Free Oklahoma. “SNAP is a crucial part of many families’ budgets, not just food budgets but also household budgets. … There’s no way charities can replace that.”

The government shutdown started Oct. 1, putting funding for food assistance programs like SNAP and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) at risk.

The Flyer has been following impacts of the government shutdown and reporting on upcoming changes to SNAP. Other resources are outlined below.

Double Up Oklahoma
Various Locations

Double Up Oklahoma allows SNAP users to double their fruits and vegetables at certain partnering stores and farmers markets. Essentially, any dollar spent on a SNAP purchase can earn up to $20 per day in Double Up Oklahoma (DUO) bucks. DUO bucks can be spent on:

Fresh fruits without any added salt, sugar or fat
Fresh vegetables without any added salt, sugar or fat
Fresh herbs in the produce section without any added salt, sugar or fat

Users have 60 days to spend their DUO bucks before they expire.

See a list of markets where DUO dollars are accepted.

Iron Gate Oklahoma
501 W. Archer St.

Iron Gate offers a community meal and grocery pantry – no identification required.

The community meal is hot food served from 8:30-10:30 a.m. every day of the year. Guests can eat as many plates as they desire.

The grocery pantry operates Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1-2:20 p.m. Guests must make an appointment online or by calling (918) 879-1702. They can shop for produce, bread, baked goods, frozen meat, deli items and shelf stable grocery items at no cost.

Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma
1304 N. Kenosha Ave.

The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma is working with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Feeding America, state agencies and other pantries to prepare for increased demand, said Jeff Marlow, president and CEO of the food bank.

Marlow said in a statement there was already a 28% increase in need compared to last year, and any interruption in benefits will create additional strain on local food resources.

“We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure that families in our community continue to have access to food during this uncertain time,” said Marlow.

See a list of pantry locations here.

First Baptist Church’s Caring Center Downtown
420 S. Detroit Ave.

First Baptist Church’s Caring Center Downtown has a food pantry stocked with bread, canned goods and meats. Guests can only go once every four weeks.

The pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 10-11:45 a.m. To get a spot in line, arrive by 11:15 a.m. and bring identification and a proof of address. Your shopping experience depends on the size of your household and the amount of items in stock.

The food pantry gets items from the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and Walmart, which means any changes in stock supply at the food bank will also influence the pantry. According to Helen Frischknecht, who works at the caring center, it can be busier at the end of the month and they may be forced to limit guests.

Kendall Whittier Inc.
(918) 592-3000

Kendall Whittier Inc. operates an Emergency Food Pantry and two gardens at no cost to recipients. The pantry delivers a week’s worth of groceries for each household member once per month, said Machele Miller Dill, executive director. Their service area is from 11th Street to Pine and Lansing to Harvard. Call (918) 592-3000 to request a delivery.