Dear Spartan Families,
Many members of our community rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to provide meals for their families. Unfortunately, these SNAP benefits may be temporarily interrupted starting on November 1st due to the federal government shutdown.
We understand this disruption can cause significant stress, worry, and financial burden for some members of our school family. Please know you are not alone; we are here to help.
Resources for Families in Need
We hope the following information will be beneficial to anyone facing difficulty during this challenging time:
School Meals Will Continue: Students currently receiving free or reduced-price meals at BPS will continue to do so without interruption.
Apply or Update Your Status: If your family's financial circumstances have recently changed for any reason—including government furloughs—you can apply or update your free or reduced-price meal application here.
Community Assistance: Dial 211 or visit here on your phone to connect with food banks, pantries, and other community support programs across Oklahoma.
BPS Resource Webpage: We have established a dedicated webpage to maintain a list of local resources as they become available.
School Counselor Support: Our school team stands ready to assist. Please contact your child’s school counselor if we can help with specific needs or questions.
For more technical details on how the shutdown will affect SNAP benefits, you can visit the DHS FAQ webpage here.
How Our Community Can Help
One of the greatest strengths of the Spartan community is how we support each other. If you are in a position to help neighbors during this time, here are direct ways you can make a difference:
Support Local Food Pantries: Consider donating food, time, or funds to local food banks and pantries such as the Bixby Outreach Center. These organizations will be under increased pressure to meet community needs.
Become a Neighbor: The Department of Human Services (DHS) has a dedicated "Be a Neighbor” webpage with resources and ways to assist families affected by food insecurity. We encourage you to visit here to learn how to support local efforts.
Our school team is committed to keeping you informed and ensuring every student feels safe, secure, and supported.
Sincerely,
Lydia Wilson
Superintendent