Lawton Food Bank Offers Extra Assistance For Oklahoma Families Affected By SNAP Suspension

On Tuesday, October 21, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) would be suspending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on November 1, 2025 due to the lack of funds from the government shutdown.

Among the several places that currently assist families in Oklahoma suffering from food insecurity, one particular organization is making an extra effort to help in November. That is - as long as the surrounding communities step up to help provide donations and volunteers.

The Lawton Food Bank already assists around 1,320 families per month on average. In November, there will undoubtedly be even more people who will need an extra hand. Here's how you can help the Lawton Food Bank help the people affected by the suspension.

Food Bank allows families in need to visit twice in November due to suspension.

Normally, recipients who receive assistance from the Lawton Food Bank can only receive goods once every thirty days. However, because of the SNAP suspension in November, they are allowing families to come twice next month. Families can come:

• One time between November 3 and 14
• One time between November 17 and 26

They have also adjusted their hours to better suit households with working parents. During this time, they'll be distributing food:

• Monday - Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

They want to make sure everyone receives the help that they need, so anyone in line on Thursday evenings will receive food. The volunteers have agreed to stay and serve everyone, no matter how long the line may be.

Lawton Food Bank also hosting additional fresh-produce pop in because of shutdown.

Another way that the Food Bank in Lawton is taking extra measures to help families affected by the shutdown is by hosting an additional produce pop-in on Friday, October 24.

READ MORE: Oklahoma Prepares For Heavy Rain And Storms This Weekend

Visitors will need to bring their own grocery bags, but they are welcome to come by the food bank and fill their bags with what they have available.

They usually are closed on Fridays to count inventory, but they will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for the Produce Pop-In. If you are someone in need and you don't get off of work until 3 p.m. or later, you can drop by the Food Bank on Thursday evening, as they stay open as late as 5:30 p.m. The next Produce Pop-In will be held on Friday, November 14.

As you can imagine, helping people so often means that the food runs out quickly. That means they depend on donations now more than ever. Donations can be monetary, food, drinks, and baby supplies such as diapers, formula, etc. To donate directly, visit their website here.