ONIE Project Leads the Charge in Expanding Access to Healthy Foods in Oklahoma

Access to fresh and nutritious food remains a significant challenge for many Oklahomans. Meredith Scott, assistant professor of research in the Department of Health Promotion Sciences at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences and director of the Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education (ONIE) Project and the Oklahoma Local Agriculture Collaborative, is working with her team to address these challenges head-on.

“Access is a huge one,” Scott shared in a recent article in The Oklahoman. “We go to some areas of the state, and it’s frustrating to see that the only thing they have is maybe a small dollar store with a tiny produce section, and that’s all the fresh food they have for miles.”

Beyond physical access, ONIE also aims to bridge the knowledge gap that prevents many Oklahomans from incorporating more fresh produce into their diets. Scott emphasized that many individuals avoid certain vegetables due to negative past experiences, often related to poor preparation or low-quality produce. “A lot of it was not knowing how to prepare it. Thinking Brussels sprouts are soggy and gross or overcooked broccoli or just really negative experiences towards vegetables,” she explained.

To combat these barriers, ONIE provides practical resources, including recipes, seasonal produce guides, and storage tips, all available in both English and Spanish. The goal is to empower Oklahomans to explore new fruits and vegetables while improving their overall diet quality.

Supporting Local Agriculture and Expanding Financial Access

Another crucial component of ONIE’s work is strengthening Oklahoma’s local food systems. The organization encourages residents to shop with local producers, emphasizing the superior quality of fresh, locally grown produce. “It’s hard to convince somebody to eat a tomato that tastes like soggy nothing, versus having a fresh, Oklahoma garden-grown tomato that you actually feel the flavor,” Scott noted.

Financial constraints also limit access to fresh produce for many Oklahomans. To address this, ONIE has collaborated with partners such as USDA Food Nutrition Services and Hunger Free Oklahoma to expand the acceptance of SNAP, Senior Benefits, and Double Up Oklahoma at farmers markets and farm stands statewide. These programs help stretch food budgets while ensuring access to high-quality, nutritious foods.

Building Sustainable Local Food Systems

Scott and her team recognize that systemic changes are necessary to create lasting impact. Through the Oklahoma Local Agriculture Collaborative, ONIE supports small-scale farmers and specialty crop producers by connecting them with resources to expand their operations. “If we’re trying to get people to eat the healthiest food, we have to make sure our producers are ready to meet that demand,” Scott said.

By partnering with the OSU Food and Agricultural Product Center and the USDA, ONIE helps farmers navigate funding opportunities, establish farm stands in food deserts, and increase their production capacity to serve more communities. Regional workshops further support farmers by identifying specific challenges and providing tailored solutions.

Ultimately, ONIE’s mission is to make the healthy choice the easy choice for all Oklahomans. By improving food access, expanding nutrition education, and strengthening local agriculture, the organization is playing a pivotal role in reshaping the state’s food landscape.

Read the full article from The Oklahoman here: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/lifestyle/food/2025/01/09/oklahoma-ranks-near-bottom-nutritional-diet-fruits-vegetables/76925185007/

For more information on ONIE’s initiatives and resources, visit onieproject.org.