FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MIAMI, OK — The Shawnee Tribe has declared a state of emergency and released emergency funds to assist citizens who may lose access to food assistance following the federal government’s suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture notified the Tribe on October 22 that SNAP operations will pause on or about November 1, 2025, due to staffing and resource shortages resulting from the ongoing federal shutdown. This marks the first such interruption in the program’s history.

The need for action is especially acute in Ottawa County, where the median household income is $48,656 — more than $13,000 below the national average — and many families rely on SNAP to meet basic food needs. In Oklahoma, two out of every three households receiving SNAP benefits have children living under their roof.

“The federal government may be closed, but the Shawnee Tribe’s government remains open,” said Chief Ben Barnes. “No Shawnee family should go hungry because of political dysfunction in Washington.”

The proclamation directs the release of Tribal emergency funds to provide immediate assistance to affected citizens currently receiving SNAP benefits, and calls on the Shawnee Business Council to identify potential additional funding sources if the shutdown continues. Chief Barnes also urged Oklahoma’s congressional delegation to take swift action to end the shutdown and restore SNAP operations.

“This is exactly why we maintain emergency reserve funds — to respond quickly when crises like this arise,” Barnes said. “But these resources are not limitless. We urge the federal government to come together, break this impasse, and swiftly restore this critical assistance program for families in need.”

Emergency assistance will remain in effect while tribal funds are available or until the federal government reopens and normal SNAP benefits resume.

CONTACT Shawnee Tribal Program Specialists for assistance at 918-542-2241 ext. 154 or 135.

APPLY for the Shawnee Tribe’s “Temporary Emergency Food Benefit Assistance.”

READ Office of the Chief Executive Order 2025-11-01 “Proclamation of Tribal State of Emergency for Shawnee Citizens Who Are Eligible to Receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)“

ADDITIONAL Food Resource List:

In Oklahoma, citizens can call 211 or email 211@uww.unitedway.org for assistance. Most Community Actions will be able to provide information about food banks.

Inter-Tribal Council Food Distribution Program — 114 S Eight Tribes Trail, Miami OK (918)-542-3443

Salvation Army — 1915 N Main St, Miami, OK (918) 542-3467

Abounding Faith Ministries — Miami, OK (918) 542-6243

Miami Ministries Alliance — 114 D St NE, Miami OK

First Presbyterian Church — 1410 Northeast Veterans, Miami, OK (918) 542-3388, email secretary@fpcmiami.com and/or pastor@fpcmiami.com

Ottawa Tribe Food Kitchen — (918) 541-1900

First Baptist Church — Quapaw, OK (918) 674-2788

Ottawa County Nutrition — (918) 542-9676

The Food Pantry at Grove — (918) 786-6798

Seneca Food Pantry — (417) 776-4650

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