Cherokee Nation steps in as Oklahoma passes on Summer EBT
The Cherokee Nation is hoping to keep thousands of kids fed over the summer break through its Summer EBT program after Oklahoma turned down the statewide program for the third year in a row.
Hunger Free Oklahoma (HFO) says there are around 403,000 children in Oklahoma who would have been eligible to receive Summer EBT if the state had opted in. Instead, it’s partnered with the Cherokee Nation and several other Oklahoma tribes to offer the program to students on tribal land.
For the Cherokee Nation, that means eligible students going to school across its 7,000-mile reservation can enroll in the program. That includes students in parts of Tulsa, Bartlesville and Skiatook.
HFO says the partnership will only be able to cover around 261,000 students, just over half of the number of students who qualify statewide.
Who is eligible?
Students who get free or reduced-price school meals are eligible for Summer EBT. That includes children attending schools that offer free meals to all students.
How do I apply?
Students at certain participating schools are automatically enrolled in the program. Students who do not attend participating schools can apply for Cherokee Nation Summer EBT by:
Filling out an online application
Emailing an application to
sebt@cherokee.org
Mailing a paper application to P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Attn: Summer EBT.