2020 has been unique for grocers and shoppers alike. You may be feeling the constraints of a tighter budget, limited product, or stress from the pandemic itself. To help, we have compiled best practices for self-care, food assistance, and more!
Food Assistance
There is no shame in needing an extra hand, especially during a crisis! To help, we have compiled a list of nutrition assistance tools.
Food Bank Assistance
OGA and our members are proud partners of both the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. In our state alone, 1 in 4 children, 1 in 10 seniors, and 1 in 6 Oklahomans overall are facing hunger; this has risen since COVID-19, making it more vital to help fight hunger than ever. If you are facing food insecurity, please take the time to find help below.
Get help from the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
Get help from the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.
If you are from outside of The Sooner State, welcome! We would still like to help you find your local food bank through Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
SNAP, formerly known as “food stamps,” is a federal program ran by the United States Department of Agriculture. Recently, Oklahoma was approved to participate in the Online SNAP program, allowing recipients to place orders for pickup or delivery at select stores; this list is likely to grow in the coming months.
More information on SNAP benefits and how they work can be found here. To apply, renew, or check your eligibility, visit the Oklahoma Department of Human Services portal.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children)
WIC is a program for low-income women, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutrition risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.
More information on WIC and its services can be found here. To apply, renew, or check your eligibility, visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health site.
Self-Care
It’s normal to feel more stressed or lonely during life-altering events like the pandemic. The following are resources to help you rebalance during these trying times.
- Learn how to prioritize your physical health during COVID-19 without losing sight of your mental health with McKenzie Ramirez from Lemond Nutrition!
- Pandemics can be stressful. Here are some helpful tips on how to cope with stress courtesy of the CDC.