ONIE designs its own evidenced-based initiatives based on peer-reviewed literature and formative research with Oklahomans. To ensure that funding is invested in effective programming, ONIE utilizes the strengths of the University of Oklahoma’s Hudson College of Public Health to evaluate each initiative’s impact to align programming with the needs & interests of its audience.

Choose Homemade

Choose Homemade empowers SNAP-eligible Oklahomans to access and prepare nutritious meals. This initiative promotes behavior change through: seasonal social marketing campaigns, community outreach efforts, cooking videos, weekly blogs, recipe booklets and the annual nutrition education calendar in both English and Spanish.

  • 8.5 million + impressions
  • 170,000 calendars distributed statewide
  • Produced a significant increase in confidence in serving vegetables when money is tight

Double Up Oklahoma

With Hunger Free Oklahoma, ONIE supports Double Up Oklahoma (DUO) farmers market implementation. DUO provides SNAP recipients with a 1:1 match to buy produce when they use SNAP at participating locations. ONIE supports DUO through technical support, ensuring proper program implementation. Partners receive annual site visits to assess program execution. Visits also provide an opportunity for market managers to consult on DUO procedures.

Let’s Get Moving

The Let’s Get Moving 5K Walk/Run (LGM) has been a staple event since 2013. Every October Midwest City families come together for a walk/run at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park. The goal of this free family-friendly 5K is to encourage being active as a family. Community partners attend the pre-race Wellness Expo that includes interactive activities for all ages as well as information about free health resources. Along with 5K programming, ONIE developed a school curriculum to promote healthy habits, water intake & physical activities.

  • 1,200 + average attendance

OKFresh

In partnership with Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality (OFMQ) ONIE launched the OKFresh Produce Prescription Program in 2020. OKFresh provides year-round fresh produce to eligible families in Lawton, Miami & Muskogee. Clinicians identify individuals who are food insecure and prescribe OKFresh. Participants can redeem benefits (up to $40 of fresh produce a month). ONIE oversees the farmers market operations, trains market staff & volunteers and provides nutrition education to OKFresh participants.

  • 37% increase in vegetable intake among participants

My OK Plan

Navigating the intricate healthcare system poses challenges for many Oklahoma individuals and families. These challenges can lead to confusion, lapses in coverage, limited access to appropriate care, and disparities in health outcomes. My OK Plan addresses this issue by connecting consumers with free healthcare navigation services. These services exist to guide patients through the healthcare system, providing coverage options free of bias and finding every available discount along the way. Whether it’s assistance with SoonerCare renewals or Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment, My OK Plan is a resource for Oklahomans to find the right plan that fits their needs.

Western Oklahoma Wellness

In partnership with OFMQ, ONIE served Beckham, Greer, Kiowa, Roger Mills and Washita counties through the Western Oklahoma Wellness Consortium. The purpose is to advance rural health by aligning community resources for enhanced care coordination, provider education and health promotion to prevent disease and improve wellness. ONIE leads the Weeks of Wellness to recruit participation in diabetes prevention programs, provide nutrition, physical activities & connects participants to community healthy living programs.

Farmers Market & Local Food Access

In partnership with OFMQ, ONIE served Beckham, Greer, Kiowa, Roger Mills and Washita counties through the Western Oklahoma Wellness Consortium. The purpose is to advance rural health by aligning community resources for enhanced care coordination, provider education, and health promotion to prevent disease and improve wellness. ONIE leads the Weeks of Wellness to recruit participation in diabetes prevention programs, provide nutrition, physical activities & connects participants to community healthy living programs.

  • 8.8% increase in SNAP dollars spent at farmers market from 2022 to 2023.

Oklahoma Local Ag Summit

The Oklahoma Local Ag Summit (OKLAS) is facilitated by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the ONIE Project. Langston University, USDA and key stakeholders from agricultural, community and public health agencies have collaborated and supported this project. The summit is funded by the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant.

Oklahoma Local Ag Collaborative

Oklahoma Local Agriculture Collaborative (OLAC) was initiated in 2022 to strengthen and grow the capacity of local agriculture. OLAC unites partner agencies with agriculture entrepreneurs by establishing a membership network for producers and direct-to-consumer markets by sharing local agriculture resources, hosting educational events and providing mentorship opportunities. OLAC has 1,000+ members, 32 partner agencies, 90 agriculture-related resources, 27 blog posts on oklac.org, and hosted six regional workshops and two farm tours.

  • 55% of producers said access to OLAC education increased sales by a median 17%.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

ONIE & Oklahoma Human Services (OHS) partnered to streamline Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), a program providing eligible seniors a $50 EBT card to purchase locally grown produce at participating locations. The SFMNP application was automated, moving a mail-in system fully online incorporating necessary safety protocols, tracking systems, technical support and training. Efficiency improved services and allowed recruiters to assist seniors who do not have access to technology with the online application and provide real-time updates on their application status.

  • 3,500 seniors served in 2023