Coronavirus – Food Resources and Tips

To support Oklahomans while slowing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), ONIE has put together a list of resources and tips for staying healthy. This list includes resources for food assistance, how to stay active while social distancing, and tips for cooking at home with limited ingredients. 

Food and nutrition services

• Many Oklahoma schools are offering “grab and go” meals during coronavirus-related closures. To find out more information, check with your local school district, visit https://meals4kidsok.org/ or text ‘FOOD’ to 877-877.
• The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and its partner agencies are continuing to offer food assistance. Visit https://www.regionalfoodbank.org/get-help to find a pantry near you and call your local pantry to check if hours have changed. 
• Oklahoma WIC Services continues to offer nutrition support. If you are having trouble finding formula, you can call 1-888-655-2942 ext.14765 or email WICVendorsHelpDesk@Health.ok.gov.
• Infant Crisis Services continues to offer diapers, formula, and toddler food at their main office located at 4224 N. Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. BabyMobile service has been suspended at this time. For more information call 405-528-3663 or visit https://www.infantcrisis.org/our-response-to-covid-19/
• Your local farmers market may be another source of groceries. To find a market near you, visit https://onieproject.org/farmers-markets/. Farmers market may be limited in their ability to accept SNAP benefits at this time so check before visiting. 
• The Market at RestoreOKC provides affordable fresh produce and accepts SNAP benefits. Skyline Urban Ministries also provides free grocery distribution at the market on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. For more information and hours of operation visit The Market at RestoreOKC Facebook Page.
• Oklahoma 2-1-1 provides information on resources for food, housing, and financial assistance, and more. To receive information on resources near you call 2-1-1 or text ‘211OK’ to 898-211. You can also visit their website 211oklahoma.org/.

We will update this list of food services as they become available. 

Staying active

Tips from the White House for slowing the spread of coronavirus are outlined here. 

It is important to stay active while practicing social distancing. If you are well, aim for 30 minutes of activity a day. Taking a walk is a great way to be active and give yourself a mental break while keeping a distance from others. You can find a variety of physical activity videos online. Watch them at home and be active together as a family. If you are sitting for long periods of time, try to walk around or participate in another light-intensity activity for at least 2 minutes each hour. Here are more ideas for family activities you can do at home: https://onieproject.org/10-activities-to-keep-your-family-active/.

Cooking at home

When shopping, choose foods that have a longer shelf-life. Here are some healthy recommendations:

• Frozen fruits and vegetables
• Canned low-sodium or no-salt-added vegetables and beans
• Jarred or canned fruit packed in 100% juice or water
• Applesauce or other pureed fruit with no added sugar
• Fresh fruits and vegetables with longer shelf-life:
  • Apples, cabbage, carrots, garlic, onion, oranges, potatoes, and winter squash
• Cans or pouches of fish, seafood, meats and chicken
• Frozen lean meats and chicken breasts
• Dried beans and lentils
• Shelled eggs
• Unsalted or Low-sodium chicken, beef or vegetable broth
• Plain or flavored yogurt
• Hard or semi-hard cheeses like parmesan, romano, cheddar or swiss (tip: freeze until you need it)
• Whole-grain or whole-wheat bread, pasta, and tortillas
• Dry cereal, granola bars, crackers, nuts, and peanut butter

Missing an ingredient? Most ingredients in recipes can be swapped for what you have at home.

• Change up the recipe by swapping missing vegetables for one you already have on hand.
• Don’t have a specific spice? Check this list of spices to swap it for a spice with a similar flavor.
• Butter can generally be swapped for equal amounts of oil.
• Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for butter and sour cream. It can also be used as a base for dips and sauces. For more ways to use Greek yogurt as an ingredient, click here.
• To learn how to make your own baby food at home, click here.

If you have more ideas for simple ingredient swaps, please comment below!