Summer Food Benefits Revived: Exciting Updates from the Cherokee and Muscogee Nations

The Cherokee and Muscogee nations are stepping up to address food insecurity this summer. They’re providing $120 per eligible child to help families buy groceries. This assistance is for children who qualify for free or reduced lunch programs, as well as families receiving other public benefits.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. emphasized the importance of this initiative. “With rising grocery prices and inflation, we need to take action. This program directly supports those hit hardest,” he stated.

The Muscogee Nation also started distributing funds on June 1. Human Services Secretary Carmen Tecumseh Williams noted that last summer, the tribe assisted around 96,000 children. “This program meets a vital need during the summer months when families struggle with food insecurities,” she explained.

The demand for such assistance has only grown. According to a recent USDA report, nearly 13 million children in the U.S. faced food insecurity in 2021. During the summer, this number spikes as school meal programs are unavailable, making initiatives like these crucial.

Residents in the Tulsa area can check their eligibility for these benefits by visiting the OKSEBT website, where they can also find applications for EBT assistance.

In these challenging times, programs like those from the Cherokee and Muscogee nations highlight the importance of community support in combating food insecurity while navigating economic hurdles.

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