36.5 Million Pounds Distributed to Hungry Oklahomans
July 8, 2010
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is proof that Oklahomans are still feeling the effects of a weakened economy. During Fiscal Year 2010, the nonprofit’s partner agencies reported a 30 to 50 percent increase in the need for food. To help meet this increase, the Regional Food Bank distributed nearly 36.5 million pounds of food and product through a network of more than 700 charitable feeding programs and elementary schools.
“We distributed 28 percent more food this year than the previous year,” said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank. “In June alone, we distributed more than 4.3 million pounds, which the largest single-month distribution in the history of the organization. Yet, many are still struggling with hunger.”
Oklahoma ranks as the sixth hungriest state in the nation, where 500,000 people wonder every day where their next meal will come from. Thanks to the community, the Regional Food Bank is able to provide enough food to feed more than 77,000 hungry Oklahomans each week. The majority of those served by the Regional Food Bank are children, seniors living on fixed incomes, and working families who cannot make ends meet.
“This year, I have more families asking for all kinds of assistance-more than I have ever had since I began my career in education in 1990,” said one partner agency. “Families need food, clothing, school supplies, medical assistance, and more. Thank you for the support you offer.”
Thanks to the support from the community, the Regional Food Bank is able to fulfill its mission of helping the charitable community effectively feed people in need. Many businesses, such as Chesapeake Energy, Dell Computers, Devon Energy and Walmart, encourage employees to volunteer at the Regional Food Bank on a regular basis.
“As a volunteer, I was treated in a very professional manner,” said Michael Barlow, a recent volunteer at the Regional Food Bank. “All of their supervisors were well informed, able to get me going on my task, and answer any questions as the morning progressed. I was so impressed and feel so valued for my volunteer efforts that I will definitely be back.”
Donors and advocates also play an important role in fighting hunger.
“The Regional Food Bank's administrative costs are below 4 percent, which means 96 cents of every dollar donated helps to directly provide food to Oklahomans in need,” said Bivens. “Every dollar counts.”
Join the fight against hunger. Make a donation, or learn more about volunteering, by calling 405.972.1111 or visit regionalfoodbank.org.
