We know many families in our community count on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (SNAP) to provide meals for their families. Unfortunately, due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits will likely be temporarily interrupted, beginning Nov. 1. We understand this disruption may cause uncertainty, worry and financial burden for some members of our school family.

Please know those impacted are not alone; we’re here to help. We hope the following information will be beneficial to those facing difficulty during this challenging time:

• Cushing Public Schools participates in the USDA's Community Eligibility Provision. All students receive free breakfast and lunch at school. No application is necessary to take advantage of this program. If you have any questions regarding Cushing Public Schools food service program, please reach out to Food Service Director, Danielle Allen at danielle.allen@cushingtigers.com or (918)225-3425.
• Cushing Middle School students in need of food resources can reach out to food pantry director Missy Hogrefe at melissa.hogrefe@cushingtigers.com or (918)225-1311.
• Cushing Elementary Center participates in the backpack program from the Regional Food Bank. Families who are in need of additional support can contact Tammy Fittje at tammy.fittje@cushingtigers.com or (918)225-225-1635.
• Cushing Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held on Thanksgiving Day (November 27, 2025) at the Cushing High School Fieldhouse. Meals are served at the Fieldhouse and can be delivered to those who are homebound or shut in. More details on this event will be coming soon. You can find additional information on their Facebook page.
• Cushing Marketplace - 324 E Moses, Cushing - Open every Wednesday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. for grocery distribution. Check out their Facebook page for additional information or call (918)248-6190.
• Cushing Community Food Bank - 802 Maitlen Drive (behind Tri-County Church of Christ) Second Tuesday of each month with distribution from 8:30-10:00 a.m. Need to complete a form and provide a local address with a utility bill and ID. Emergency food needs can be met by calling (918)223-6062. Contact the First Baptist Church for food bank information at (918)225-4790.
• St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church - Food pantry (snacks) are available Monday-Friday 9:00 am- noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m. You can obtain $25-30 worth of food once every 30 days. Please bring an ID. Upcoming dates for additional food: November 8, 2025 and December 13, 2025. They will be open from Noon until they run out of food. Contact number (918)225-0644.
• Our Daily Bread Stillwater - 701 E 12th Avenue, Stillwater. Open Daily. Must live in Payne County and meet USDA income guidelines. You can find more information on operating hours, income guidelines, and what to bring to receive assistance on their website HERE.
• Our Daily Bread (Ripley Market) - Open every Wednesday from 3:00-5:00 p.m. They setup a mobile pantry at the community center located at 113 S. Morton, just north of Town Hall.
• Food Boxes in Cushing - these boxes are outside of these businesses/churches. They can be filled with donations at any time and items can be taken from them at any time. They are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
  • Crossway Church - 1214 E North Street
  • Park Place Baptist Church - 321 N Hartman
  • Lauri's Tips and Toes - 111 E Broadway
  • Cushing Senior Center - 203 E Cherry
  • First United Methodist Church - 930 S Little 
• Sac and Fox Nation Food Distribution - If at least one member of your household is Native American (must have verification of tribal membership), you reside within their service area (Cushing is in their service area) and you meet income guidelines, you may be eligible to receive services. You can find more information about distribution locations and program eligibility guidelines HERE. You can also contact Sac and Fox Nation Food Distribution at (918)968-3030 or katie.wood@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov.
• Resilient Payne County - You can find a host of food resources in the Cushing area on the Resilient Payne County website HERE.
• First United Methodist Church - 930 S Little - Free community meal on the 3rd Saturday of the month 5:00-7:00 p.m. There is also a food box outside the church that is open 24/7. Contact number is (918)225-5683.
• Kinetic Church - 116 E Maple - Infant care and diaper closet open every Wednesday from 11:30 am-1:30 p.m. If you need emergency assistance, please text Co-Paster Alycia at (918)873-0123 to schedule a time to collect the items you may need or call Angela Potter at (225)614-4876.
• Love INC. - 321 E Broadway - Hours Tuesday-Friday 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Food; fuel vouchers; clothing & houseware items vouchers; adult education. Contact number (918)225-1125.
• Parents can use 211 on their phones to call, text, or chat to receive additional information about food banks, pantries and other community support programs across Oklahoma. You can also find resources on their website HERE.

A big THANK YOU to the Cushing Chamber of Commerce for their assistance in ensuring this resource list is up-to-date and accurate. You can find a full list of resources for the Cushing area HERE.

Although this situation is beyond our control, we can decide how to care for one another. Our school team is committed to keeping you informed and ensuring every student feels safe, secure and supported.

Thank you for your partnership with and continued support of Cushing Public Schools.