Oklahoma nonprofit gets record-breaking grant to expand healthy food access in Tulsa and beyond

Communities in Tulsa that battle with meals safety will quickly see extra fruits and veggies.

This month america Division of Agriculture introduced that nonprofit Starvation Free Oklahoma will obtain a record-breaking $14.2 million over 4 years to broaden a program known as Double Up Oklahoma that will get produce to low-income communities.

It really works by matching {dollars} from SNAP, a federal diet help plan. After SNAP recipients purchase groceries, they rise up to $20 per day within the type of a voucher or credit score to spend solely on produce.

Chris Bernard, CEO of Starvation Free, stated this system helps communities as an entire as a result of it brings extra wholesome meals to shops for everybody.

“As an alternative of ordering produce as soon as every week, they’re ordering it three or 4 instances every week which implies more energizing produce for that entire group, whether or not they use our program or not,” stated Bernard.

Bernard additionally stated this system contributes a bigger number of produce.

“Shops can afford to begin to order new merchandise and see what folks like. So it’s been actually enjoyable to look at during the last two years and we’re excited to see it broaden.”

The plan for the grant is to department out to extra shops in Tulsa and past. Bernard stated seven rural communities have this system now, however with the brand new funds, he’s hoping as many as 40 could possibly be reached. 10,000 persons are at present enrolled; Bernard stated the goal is not less than 40,000 by the tip of the four-year grant interval.

The cash, which Bernard stated he thinks is the most important award in historical past for this specific USDA program, was a match effort. Starvation Free really rose $21 million however the return from the USDA was capped at $14.2 million.

Donors included companies within the Tulsa group, with about $9 million coming from Ascension St. John. The state is contributing a recurring $1.1 million a 12 months, and the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Belief will give $6.3 million over the following two years for a complete three-year dedication.

In Tulsa proper now, this system operates in Oasis Market at Pine and Peoria, by means of R & G Household Grocers, and in farmers markets.