For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Angela Allmond, Communications Director
Oklahoma Democratic Party
angela@okdemocrats.org

Oklahoma Children Going Hungry Due to Ryan Walters’ Incompetence

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — MARCH 31, 2023 – In another kick to the gut of Oklahoma school children, Ryan Walters’ incompetence has resulted in thousands of kids going hungry.

“Due to a ‘clerical error,’ children who qualify for free or discounted lunch at school, are unable to use the cards that give them access,” said Alicia Andrews, Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party.

“Because some children who were not eligible received cards, everyone’s access was suspended. Consequently, children, many of them from food-insecure homes, are going hungry. This is what happens when right-wing ideologues are given the reins of agencies that are supposed to be helping the poor,” Andrews continued.

“How many kids are going hungry tonight due to Ryan Walters’ incompetence and indifference? This is an outrage and every voter should be appalled at the lack of concern for our children. It is time that protecting children is backed by real plans and not just Walters’ typical rhetoric,” Andrews said.

Oklahoma legislators have written many bills under the guise of protecting children that do no such thing. There have been bills that target LGBTQ+ children, that aim to further marginalize girls, and interfere with what is being taught, all in the name of “protection.” Yet, on the basics, like feeding children, Oklahoma fails.

“Between hate-fueled legislation and Walters’ ineptitude, our children are again being made victims by those employed to protect them,” said Andrews.

“These bills are not designed to protect children; they are merely publicity-chasing dog whistles. If the goal was to protect children, our legislators and other elected officials would ensure the safety and well-being of our children. They would look for ways to ensure the educational future of our kids. We urge Oklahoma’s elected politicians to do the job for which they were hired: protect Oklahomans, especially our most vulnerable children,” Andrews concluded.

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For more information about the Oklahoma Democratic Party, visit the party website at okdemocrats.org, or call party headquarters at 405-427-3366.