Two markets owned by the Choctaw Nation are taking steps to help people in rural southeastern Oklahoma access healthy foods. They’ve started a new program called Double Up Oklahoma, which matches federal food assistance for fresh produce. This means that SNAP shoppers can get up to $20 in matching funds each day to spend on fruits and vegetables.
The Choctaw Country Markets in Boswell and Clayton launched this initiative with support from Hunger Free Oklahoma. The dollar-for-dollar match on SNAP purchases allows customers to receive extra vouchers specifically for fresh produce, free of added salt, sugar, oils, or fats.
Icy Conn, the senior director of retail operations for the tribe, shared that the need for this program was evident. “These communities have been identified as food deserts,” she noted, emphasizing how crucial it is to provide this support now.
Conn highlighted that the program underwent several months of testing to ensure a seamless integration at their point-of-sale systems. By November, the program was soft-launched, and by January, it was fully operational.
This initiative is open to all SNAP EBT users, regardless of tribal citizenship, and early feedback has been positive. Many families have transformed their shopping habits, with healthier choices becoming a priority. Leslie Young, program director for Double Up Oklahoma, explained that this incentive encourages families to choose nutritious foods while supporting local businesses.
Recent statistics reveal a growing concern around diet-related health issues in Oklahoma. According to the CDC, about 36% of adults in the state are classified as obese. Initiatives like Double Up Oklahoma aim to combat this trend by making fresh produce more accessible.
Young mentioned that upcoming changes to SNAP regulations will restrict purchases of sugary foods like soda and candy. The Double Up program can help families adjust to these changes by enabling them to spend more on healthier food options.
Hunger Free Oklahoma believes this incentive-based approach is more effective than simply banning unhealthy foods. Young noted, “There’s no evidence that limiting SNAP purchases leads to better diets or health outcomes.”
The USDA grant funding this initiative is set to last until late August or early September, and any expansion to other market locations will depend on the grant’s renewal.
Conn expressed hope for future developments. “If we can create a positive impact, we’d love to explore further opportunities.”
The excitement around the Double Up program highlights an increasing trend across social media platforms, where users are discussing the importance of access to healthy foods. Many advocates are sharing stories about how similar initiatives have changed their communities for the better.
For more information on health initiatives and food access, consider checking resources such as the USDA’s Nutritional Assistance Program for further insights.
This program is a vital step toward improving health and nutrition in rural areas, promoting healthier choices, and supporting local economies.
