ONIE Project Loses Funding, Jeopardizing SNAP Access at Farmers Markets

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — For Oklahomans relying on SNAP EBT benefits — also known as food stamps — finding high-quality, fresh produce can be a challenge. One organization has been working to bridge that gap, but it now faces financial uncertainty after the passage of President Trump’s "Big Beautiful Bill" on July 3.

"I'm hoping we can figure out a way to keep going," said Meredith Scott, director of the ONIE Project.

Scott said the ONIE Project aims to help Oklahomans access healthy and affordable food.

One of its core programs helps local growers accept SNAP benefits at farmers' markets.

"We know the farmers' markets and the farmers have the highest-quality, tastiest food," Scott said.

When the project began 10 years ago, local farmers couldn’t accept EBT at markets.

Over time, ONIE has guided growers through the complex legal process and applications needed to accept SNAP benefits.

Stephanie DeBerry, assistant director of ONIE, said the effort is paying off.

"We’ve helped start so many farmers' markets. I think we’ve really seen our work grow — and help those around us grow as well," DeBerry said.

"They’re opening up a new customer base. So this is a win-win for everybody," Scott added.

Now, the ONIE Project is facing a looming funding crisis following the passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill," which cuts funding to the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program.

"We are losing about $1.5 million," Scott said. "Our funding has been eliminated as of Oct. 1."

Scott and DeBerry said the decision is confusing, since their work aligns with the administration’s "Make America Healthy Again" initiative.

Regardless, after Oct. 1, ONIE will no longer be able to help new farmers begin accepting EBT at markets or assist existing participants with renewals.

The organization warns that this could cause a domino effect.

"We’re not going to be able to support that growth anymore, and possibly even have to step back. Some farmers' markets might not accept SNAP at all without our support," DeBerry said.

Until then, ONIE is exploring options to stay afloat.

"I’m praying that we find some funding and we don’t have to close our doors, because I see the value in this," Scott said.

ONIE said support from community partners has been overwhelming. In the meantime, they are finishing all committed SNAP-Ed projects for the upcoming fiscal year, despite not yet receiving clear federal guidance.