Luttrell Announces Food Insecurity Grant Award to Local Organization

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, today announced that New Emergency Resource Agency, Inc., a nonprofit located in House District 37, has been awarded $85,194 through the Food Insecurity Grant.

NERA is a Food and Resource Center affiliated with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and a United Way Partner Agency that assists with groceries. It aims to prevent food scarcity in North Central Oklahoma by providing nutritional and community resources.

“This funding highlights the New Emergency Resource Agency’s critical role in supporting our community, especially those experiencing food insecurity,” Luttrell said. “The funding will help NERA expand its reach and provide nutritious food and resources to our neighbors in need, contributing to a stronger, more supportive community.”

Funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) dollars, Oklahoma Human Services’ Food Insecurity Grant was designed to support the availability of and access to affordable and nutritious foods across Oklahoma in areas that have been negatively and/or disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally appropriated $12.5 million through Senate Bill 1186 in 2023, an additional $8 million was added through Senate Bill 1192 in 2024 to increase the value of payments to eligible organizations and make an even deeper impact on food insecurity in the state.

It is estimated that more than 500,000 Oklahomans, including nearly 200,000 children, are experiencing food insecurity. These one-time grants will help food programs expand the availability of affordable and nutritious foods and serve more Oklahomans.

Luttrell, a Republican, is in his fifth term representing House District 37 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes parts of Kay and Osage counties.