Choctaw Nation Provides Summer Food Benefits to Thousands of Kids

DURANT, Okla. — The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) will once again participate in the 2026 Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) program, helping eligible school-age children access nutritious food during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.

Across Oklahoma, about 403,000 children are expected to qualify for the program. More than one in four school-age children in the state, about 223,890, experience food insecurity.

Children, regardless of whether they are members of a tribal nation, will be automatically enrolled in the program if they attend a participating school district within the Choctaw Nation reservation, are enrolled in prekindergarten through 12th grade and receive free or reduced-price meals at school.

Families whose children do not meet those criteria may apply online at Healthy Together.

Eligible families will receive a one-time $120 EBT benefit per child to purchase approved healthy food items at participating grocery stores. Benefits help families buy nutritious foods similar to those approved under the WIC food list and are intended to support children during May, June and July.

Families may call 580-916-9239 to confirm enrollment or ask questions about the program.

“Making sure our children have access to healthy food is essential to their growth, their education and their future,” said CNO Chief Gary Batton. “Programs like Summer EBT help ensure that when school is out, our children and families still have the support they need to stay healthy and strong.”

“Many children rely on school meals during the school year,” said Shelly Rector, USDA Food and Nutrition manager for CNO. “Summer EBT helps bridge that gap by giving families resources to continue providing healthy, balanced meals while school is not in session.”

Summer EBT programs are available statewide. Families outside the Choctaw Nation reservation can learn more about eligibility and enrollment at OKS EBT.