Jenks Student Wins Second Place in National Food Insecurity Documentary Contest

Jenks High School student Emily Carter placed second in the national documentary contest organized by C-SPAN, highlighting the rise in food insecurity across the United States during the Trump administration. The 17-year-old from Tulsa, Oklahoma, produced a 12-minute film that examined how policy changes and economic shifts affected low-income families. The contest, which received over 500 entries, aimed to foster civic engagement and awareness of national issues.

Documentary Focuses on Policy and Personal Stories

Carter’s film, titled "Empty Plates: The Hidden Crisis," combined data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture with personal interviews from families in Oklahoma and Texas. It revealed that food insecurity rates increased by 1.2% during Trump’s presidency, according to a 2021 report by the Food Research & Action Center. The documentary also highlighted how changes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) affected eligibility and benefits.

“I wanted to show that food insecurity isn’t just a number—it’s real people struggling every day,” Carter said. “I spoke with a single mother in Tulsa who had to skip meals to feed her kids.” The film included footage from food banks in Oklahoma City and San Antonio, illustrating the growing demand for assistance. Carter’s work stood out for its emotional depth and factual rigor, earning praise from educators and community leaders.

C-SPAN Contest Encourages Youth Engagement

The C-SPAN StudentCam contest, now in its 16th year, encourages high school students to explore current events through video essays. This year’s theme, “How the Federal Government Affects Your Life,” saw submissions from all 50 states. Carter’s documentary was one of 15 selected for national recognition, with the top prize going to a student from California.

“This contest gives young people a platform to voice their perspectives on important issues,” said C-SPAN Executive Producer Brian Lamb. “Emily’s work demonstrates how students can contribute meaningfully to national conversations.” The contest has grown in influence, with past winners receiving media coverage and opportunities to present their work at national events.

Policy Changes and Their Impact

Carter’s documentary examined specific policy shifts, including the 2019 rule that reduced SNAP benefits for households with able-bodied adults without dependents. The change, which affected over 300,000 people nationwide, was criticized by advocacy groups as disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations. The film also highlighted the rise in food bank usage, with Oklahoma’s Food Bank Association reporting a 22% increase in requests between 2017 and 2020.

“These policies aren’t just numbers on a page—they’re real people,” said Carter. “I wanted to show the human side of the data.” The documentary included a segment on a local food pantry in Tulsa, where volunteers described the increasing number of families turning to emergency aid.

What’s Next for the Student and the Issue

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Carter will receive a $2,000 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C., to present her work at the C-SPAN StudentCam awards ceremony in April. The event, held annually at the National Archives, brings together students, educators, and media professionals to celebrate civic engagement.

“This is just the beginning,” Carter said. “I want to continue advocating for food security and raise awareness about the policies that affect everyday people.” Meanwhile, advocacy groups are urging policymakers to revisit food assistance programs as inflation and rising costs continue to strain families. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is set to release new data on food insecurity in early 2024, which could influence future policy debates.