OKLAHOMA CITY – Recently, Rep. Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, hosted an Interim Study on Food Insecurity at the State Capitol on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, bringing together state agencies, tribal nations, health providers, school nutrition leaders, food banks, researchers, and community organizations to chart practical solutions for Oklahoma families.
“Food insecurity is not a talking point, it is a kitchen-table reality,” said Pittman. “Our goal was simple: stop admiring the problem and line up what works, from retail incentives and mobile markets to smarter transportation and farm-to-community pipelines. If a policy does not move groceries, improve health, or respect people’s time and dignity, then it is not a solution for families.”
Bipartisan discussion highlights retail incentives, transportation fixes, farm-to-community pipelines, and state-tribal partnerships to expand access to healthy, affordable food.
“The Interim Study demonstrated that addressing food insecurity requires a collaborative effort. FreshRx Oklahoma's success is a testament to what is possible when state leaders, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations work together to build a more resilient food and healthcare system for all,” said Julie Barlow, MAS, BSN, RN, of FreshRx Oklahoma.
Legislative members of the group mentioned recommendations and key themes that were identified from the participants in the interim study which included,
Healthy-Food Retail & Small-Store Conversions: Incentives to open or retrofit grocery options in food deserts, including refrigeration grants for corner stores and co-op models. Transportation & Access: Coordinating transit, NEMT, and mobile-market schedules to match clinic hours, paydays, and school calendars.
The meeting finished up with the concept to promote Farm-to-Community Pipelines: Scaling Oklahoma-grown procurement for schools, clinics, and faith-based hubs; reducing barriers for small producers.
“Food insecurity impacts one in six Oklahomans and we see its effects every day in communities across our state. Tackling this crisis requires all of us: nonprofits, businesses, faith groups and government agencies working together, and I’m proud of the powerful partnerships forming statewide to ensure no Oklahoman goes hungry,” said Stephanie Harris, Chief Impact Officer, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
Maternal & Child Health: Aligning nutrition supports (WIC, postpartum coverage, medically tailored groceries) with measurable outcomes for moms and babies. State-Tribal Collaboration: Leveraging tribal health systems, food sovereignty initiatives, and distribution networks to reach high-need areas faster. Benefit Uptake & Churn Reduction: Streamlining SNAP/WIC enrollment, recertification, and data sharing to keep eligible families connected and Accountability: Establishing metrics access, uptake, and health outcomes, to fund what demonstrates results.
"Food insecurity affects rural, urban and suburban communities in all states and territories, impacting over 47 million people across the nation. States are addressing this insecurity through various and multiple policy levers to increase food supply and distribution, support access and affordability and to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities within their states." Heather Wilson, National Conference of State Legislatures
According to Pittman, the interim study helped announce upcoming actions and next steps that include introducing Legislation to pilot healthy-food retail incentives and small-store conversions in designated food-desert tracts.
The Transportation coordination reforms to reduce missed appointments and long travel times for grocery access. In addition to Farm-to-community pilots linking Oklahoma producers to schools, clinics, and neighborhood hubs. Finally, seeking Administrative improvements to streamline SNAP/WIC enrollment and reduce churn, while supporting Outcome tracking to ensure public dollars follow programs with proven impact.
“This is about stewardship with a common sense approach,” Pittman added. “We can honor how communities have always cared for each other–churches, tribes, neighbors–while using data to put resources exactly where they work best. Tradition meets innovation, and families win.”
The interim study also featured testimony from stakeholders across the state who also participated.
“Hunger impacts hardworking Oklahomans, from families struggling to make ends meet to seniors choosing between food and medicine. By partnering with community leaders, businesses, and government, and investing in sustainable solutions, we can ensure every Oklahoman has access to healthy, dignified food. Together, we can create an Oklahoma where no child goes to bed hungry and every family can put meals on the table with confidence,” said Matt Jostes, Chief Development Officer & Executive VP, Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.
Pittman also gave a special acknowledgement to the Agriculture House committee members and Chairman Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko, for hearing and participating in this study.
About Representative Ajay Pittman
Rep. Pittman represents House District 99 and serves on committees including Tourism, Agriculture, Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Health, and the Oversight Committee on Energy & Natural Resources. She was recently appointed to the Joint State-Tribal Committee and serves in national legislative organizations focused on health, equity, and economic development.
For interviews or additional materials, contact ajay.pittman@okhouse.gov or call office 405-557-7393.
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