Bridging the gap: local nonprofit connects Oklahomans with food resources

What began as a statewide research project on food insecurity in 2015 has transformed into a multi-faceted nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all Oklahomans have access to three meals a day, every day. 

The research report showed the Sooner State was lagging behind others in food insecurity and recommended forming an organization that could address the issue statewide, while still serving the specific needs of each community. As a result, Hunger Free Oklahoma was founded in 2016. 

“Hunger Free Oklahoma is a unified approach to the issue and solutions surrounding hunger,” says Chief Program Officer Richard Comeau, who works out of Hunger Free Oklahoma’s Tulsa office. “We believe that hunger is solvable, and our approach is to provide resources, bridge services and facilitate collaboration with efforts and programs already in place.” 

Hunger is not only a dire problem faced by many; it is also costly. According to HFO, a growing body of evidence shows poverty and food insecurity in childhood have lasting impacts on health and socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood — costing Oklahoma over $1.4 billion each year. According to the USDA, 15.4% of Oklahoma households are food insecure, and 79% of SNAP participates are children, seniors or disabled.

“We have some of the worst food insecurity statistics in the country. However, sustainable solutions do exist,” Comeau says, adding that through HFO’s public-private partnerships, the organization annually serves more than 350,000 Oklahomans.

Statewide efforts include programs such as Double Up Oklahoma, where Hunger Free Oklahoma will match SNAP dollar for dollar (up to $20 per day) for fruits and vegetables. Local projects include grassroots efforts in communities to get more people engaged in SNAP and providing them with local resources to access nutritious food. 

“With the passage of recent legislation, it will become more difficult for Oklahomans to access SNAP and other similar programs,” Comeau says. “Our work is now more important than ever.”

For those interested in learning more about Oklahoma’s hunger issues and solutions, Hunger Free Oklahoma is hosting Hungry for Action on Oct. 1-2. This two-day conference in Norman is open to the public. For more information, visit hungerfreeok.org/hungry-for-action-2025.