Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, announced Thursday that Deep Fork Community Action Foundation, Inc. and the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter, two organizations within House District 16, have been selected as recipients of the Food Insecurity Grant program.

“These grants represent a major step forward in our commitment to tackling food insecurity in House District 16 and throughout Oklahoma,” Fetgatter said. “With the backing of the Food Insecurity Grant program, these organizations can expand their outreach, making a real difference in our community.”

Deep Fork Community Action received $26,955. It is a nonprofit organization that offers a range of services, including emergency assistance, social services, prescription medication assistance, Section 8 application assistance, access to a food pantry and clothing closet, free income tax preparation, utility payment assistance, information and referral services, housing assistance, and fingerprinting.

The Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter, which provides 30day temporary emergency shelter to men, women, and children, was awarded $5,000 in funds.

Funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) dollars, Oklahoma Human Services’ Food Insecurity Grant was designed to support the availability of and access to affordable and nutritious foods across Oklahoma in areas that have been negatively and/or disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally appropriated $12.5 million through Senate Bill 1186 in 2023, an additional $8 million was added through Senate Bill 1192 in 2024 to increase the value of payments to eligible organizations and make an even deeper impact on food insecurity in the state.

It is estimated that more than 500,000 Oklahomans, including nearly 200,000 children, are experiencing food insecurity. These one-time grants will help food programs expand the availability of affordable and nutritious foods and serve more Oklahomans.

Fetgatter, a Republican, represents House District 16 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes parts of Muskogee, Okmulgee and Tulsa counties.