Cherokee Nation Declares State of Emergency, Launches Food Relief Effort Following SNAP Cuts

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner on Tuesday declared a state of emergency due to food insecurity caused by the federal government shutdown, making over $6.75 million in emergency relief funding available.

Saturday, November 1, 2025 — The Cherokee Nation has declared a state of emergency after federally enhanced SNAP benefits for low-income households abruptly ended on Saturday, November 1, creating widespread concerns about food insecurity among Cherokee families. In response, the tribe has activated a major food relief initiative and will begin accepting online applications for support starting Monday, November 3, through the Gadugi Portal.

As part of the emergency action, Cherokee Nation SNAP participants may apply for a one-time $185 cash payment. Payments will be distributed in phases throughout November. To qualify, individuals must be Cherokee Nation citizens, currently receiving SNAP benefits, and reside either within the Cherokee Nation Reservation or in one of the surrounding contiguous counties.

Eligible areas include:

• Oklahoma: Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, Haskell, LeFlore, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Nowata, Osage, Ottawa, Pittsburg, Rogers, Sequoyah, Tulsa, Wagoner, Washington

• Arkansas: Benton, Crawford, Sebastian, Washington • Kansas: Chautauqua, Cherokee, Labette, Montgomery

• Missouri: McDonald

The sudden changes to federal SNAP funding have significantly impacted families who rely on consistent support for food and essential household groceries.

To help stabilize access to nutrition, Cherokee Nation has allocated substantial resources toward multiple relief measures, including:

• Option for eligible households to immediately transition from SNAP to the tribe’s Food Distribution Program, which has a large supply reserve and operates eight store-style food centers across the 7,000-square-mile reservation

• $4.5 million committed to direct payments for impacted citizens

• $1.25 million in grants to food banks and nonprofit food security organizations within the reservation and nearby service areas

• $255,000 in grants to partner organizations participating in the Community & Cultural Outreach program, including additional meat distribution through the Hawiya program

• $750,000 designated to extend the Cherokee Nation WIC program for one additional month to support mothers and young children

Cherokee citizens are encouraged to log in to the Gadugi Portal at gadugiportal.cherokee.org and update their profiles before applications open to ensure a faster processing time.

Further updates to the food security program will be shared as conditions evolve and while federal nutrition aid remains uncertain.

Citizens needing assistance or more information may contact Cherokee Nation Human Services at 918-453-5422 or visit www.cherokee.org.

Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer

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