SHAWNEE TRIBE DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY AS SNAP PROGRAM HALTS; EMERGENCY FUNDS RELEASED TO SUPPORT CITIZENS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MIAMI, OK — The Shawnee Tribe has declared a state of emergency and released emergency funds to assist citizens who may lose access to food assistance following the federal government’s suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture notified the Tribe on October 22 that SNAP operations will pause on or about November 1, 2025, due to staffing and resource shortages resulting from the ongoing federal shutdown. This marks the first such interruption in the program’s history.

The need for action is especially acute in Ottawa County, where the median household income is $48,656 — more than $13,000 below the national average — and many families rely on SNAP to meet basic food needs. In Oklahoma, two out of every three households receiving SNAP benefits have children living under their roof.

“The federal government may be closed, but the Shawnee Tribe’s government remains open,” said Chief Ben Barnes. “No Shawnee family should go hungry because of political dysfunction in Washington.”

The proclamation directs the release of Tribal emergency funds to provide immediate assistance to affected citizens currently receiving SNAP benefits, and calls on the Shawnee Business Council to identify potential additional funding sources if the shutdown continues. Chief Barnes also urged Oklahoma’s congressional delegation to take swift action to end the shutdown and restore SNAP operations.

“This is exactly why we maintain emergency reserve funds — to respond quickly when crises like this arise,” Barnes said. “But these resources are not limitless. We urge the federal government to come together, break this impasse, and swiftly restore this critical assistance program for families in need.”

Emergency assistance will remain in effect while tribal funds are available or until the federal government reopens and normal SNAP benefits resume.

CONTACT Shawnee Tribal Program Specialists for assistance at 918-542-2241 ext. 154 or 135.

APPLY for the Shawnee Tribe’s “Temporary Emergency Food Benefit Assistance.”

READ Office of the Chief Executive Order 2025-11-01 “Proclamation of Tribal State of Emergency for Shawnee Citizens Who Are Eligible to Receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

ADDITIONAL Food Resource List:

In Oklahoma, citizens can call 211 or email 211@uww.unitedway.org for assistance. Most Community Actions will be able to provide information about food banks.

Inter-Tribal Council Food Distribution Program — 114 S Eight Tribes Trail, Miami OK (918)-542-3443

Salvation Army — 1915 N Main St, Miami, OK (918) 542-3467

Abounding Faith Ministries — Miami, OK (918) 542-6243

Miami Ministries Alliance — 114 D St NE, Miami OK

First Presbyterian Church — 1410 Northeast Veterans, Miami, OK (918) 542-3388, email secretary@fpcmiami.com and/or pastor@fpcmiami.com

Ottawa Tribe Food Kitchen — (918) 541-1900

First Baptist Church — Quapaw, OK (918) 674-2788

Ottawa County Nutrition — (918) 542-9676

The Food Pantry at Grove — (918) 786-6798

Seneca Food Pantry — (417) 776-4650

Findhelp.org

Back

More News

Jul 31, 2026

Artist Spotlight: Journey Through Art

The Shawnee Tribe is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Marina Staubus, whose artwork Whispers in the Wind earned First Place in the Painting category at the 2026 55th Annual Trail of Tears Art Show in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Marina, a Shawnee Tribe citizen, continues a family tradition of service and dedication to the Tribe as the daughter of Mike Staubus, […]

Read More
Jul 31, 2026

Passing on Tradition: Bow Making Connects Shawnee Youth to Ancestral Knowledge

A traditional bow-making workshop recently brought together Shawnee youth and cultural instructors to share knowledge, skills, and values that have been passed down through generations. The opportunity began when a request was made to teach Shawnee relatives the traditional craft of bow making. Having previously shared these skills with Muscogee participants, the instructors were honored […]

Read More
Jul 31, 2026

WEEMEYAKWE: ANCIENT RITUAL PLACES IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY

By David Pollack, A. Gwynn Henderson, and Edward R. Henry A people’s relationship to their homeland is dynamic. How they alter the landscape reflects their sense of place, their social relationships, and their connections to their ancestors.  This is as true now as it was in the past. The North Elkhorn Creek Earthworks   Around 500 […]

Read More
Jul 31, 2026

♻️ Recycling Spotlight – The Price Tag You Never See

The Hidden Cost of Four Everyday Products When we buy a product, we usually see only the price on the shelf. What we don’t see is the environmental cost of making it. For example, it takes about 2,700 liters (713 gallons) of water to produce a single cotton T-shirt—about the same amount one person drinks […]

Read More
Jun 29, 2026

2026 BUSINESS COUNCIL ELECTION UPDATE

Mark McDowell, Treasurer and Keni Hood, Business Council Seat 7 have filed seeking re-election to their respective offices.  The filing period for candidates has passed, with no additional candidates declaring their intention to run for office.   Therefore, in accordance with Title 6, Sec. 6.20.080 of the Shawnee Election Act, both unopposed candidates are hereby deemed […]

Read More
Jun 3, 2026

RECYCLING SPOTLIGHT: THERE IS NO PLAN B – THE IMPORTANCE OF RECYCLING

YOUR CAN COULD BE BACK ON THE SHELF IN JUST 60 DAYS! You enjoy your beverage and recycle your aluminum can. Recycling trucks collect the cans and take them to a facility to be sorted. The cans are cleaned and shredded into small pieces. The aluminum pieces are melted down and rolled into large sheets. […]

Read More
Jun 3, 2026

Rain Barrel Installation and Watershed Learning Experience

The Shawnee Tribe’s Environmental Department recently hosted a hands-on learning experience focused on water systems, runoff, and watershed education in the Miami community.  During the event, students participated in the installation of a rain barrel system while learning how rainfall moves through local watersheds and contributes to flooding. 

Read More
Jun 3, 2026

WEEMEYAKWE: THE CASE OF THE FIVE BLACK STONE SPHERES

WEEMEYAKWE (WHERE WE COME FROM) By A. Gwynn Henderson and David Pollack “Two heads are better than one,” the old saying goes. With twice the brainpower and two times the life experiences to draw from, we are twice as likely to solve a puzzle, make sense of an enigma, or figure out a mystery.  The […]

Read More
See All News