Overview
- At a 1 p.m. briefing at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, the governor convened DHS, education leaders, faith groups and nonprofits to coordinate a response.
- State officials warned of a roughly $350 million gap if the federal shutdown extends into December 1, putting food assistance at risk for hundreds of thousands of residents.
- The Regional Food Bank reported a 37% jump in first-time requests for help, serves about 99,000 people monthly, and plans to double distribution, which would require an extra $5.5 million each month.
- Schools were urged to boost enrollment in free and reduced-price meals and tap the USDA’s at-risk snack programs to help families.
- Stitt noted the state has about $3.5 billion in savings and said his administration is evaluating options should the lapse persist.