This summer, the Choctaw Nation is once again providing two food assistance programs to ensure children and families have access to nutritious meals. The Summer EBT program offers qualifying households $40 per child each month for groceries until early August. Additionally, grab-and-go meals are available at various locations within the reservation for children under 18, irrespective of income or tribal affiliation. These efforts aim to bridge nutritional gaps during school breaks, benefiting over 17,000 children so far.

The Summer EBT initiative extends an opportunity to all eligible families residing within the Choctaw Nation's jurisdiction, regardless of whether they belong to the tribe or not. To meet the criteria, a child must either be enrolled in a participating school district from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and receive free or reduced-cost meals. Automatic enrollment applies if the child was already on the school’s list for meal benefits, though address verification might occasionally be necessary.

For those attending charter schools or being homeschooled, additional state or federal benefits received by a household member can qualify them. Children involved in the foster care system are also included in this support structure. Furthermore, schools operating under the Community Eligibility Provision may impose extra conditions for eligibility.

Beyond the financial aid provided by the Summer EBT program, the Choctaw Nation has established convenient meal pickup sites across its reservation. This service ensures that every child under 18 years old can obtain a meal without any prerequisites related to income or tribal membership. It underscores the tribe’s commitment to fostering health and well-being among young individuals during the non-school months.

Through these dual strategies, the Choctaw Nation aims to alleviate food insecurity challenges faced by families throughout southeastern Oklahoma. By offering both monetary resources and direct meal provisions, the tribe is making strides toward ensuring no child goes hungry during the summer period when regular school meal services are unavailable.