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Metro Students Receive A+ on Food Drive

Dec. 15, 2009

OKLAHOMA CITY – The fifth annual Students Against Hunger Food Drive, which benefits the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and its partner agencies, set record-breaking numbers this year by collecting 170,914 pounds of food and $53,678 (net), which will provide 546,660 meals to hungry Oklahomans this winter. In Oklahoma County alone, over 90 schools raised 129,111 pounds of food and $16,106, which will provide 227,837 meals to hungry Oklahomans through 10 partner agencies in the metro.

Statewide, more than 150 schools in 11 counties participated in the food and fund drive. This year, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Oklahoma City set record breaking numbers again for the fourth year in a row by collecting 42,408 pounds of food and $3,080, which will provide 54,787 meals to those in need. Other schools that received high marks include: Heritage Hall Middle School, collecting 61 pounds of food and $6,314, which will provide 44,444 meals; Heritage Hall Elementary School, collecting $2,489, which will provide 19,781 meals; Bethany Earl Harris Elementary School, collecting 2,773 pounds of food and $2,290 to provide 18,270 meals; and Casady High School collecting 1,920 pounds of food and $1,557 to provide 12,448 meals.

The food drive ran September 28 through October 30. Every dollar that was donated will provide seven meals to feed hungry Oklahomans this winter.

Last year, 144,158 pounds of food and $44,901 (net) was raised from the food drive statewide, which provided more than 426,930 meals to hungry Oklahomans.

The Students Against Hunger food drive was presented by the Oklahoma County Bar Association – Young Lawyers Division, Devon Energy Corporation, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, United Way of Central Oklahoma and Bank of America.

"Support in the fight against hunger in Oklahoma is vital now more than ever," said Rodney Bivens, executive director and founder of the Regional Food Bank. "More than half a million Oklahomans struggle with hunger every day. Thanks to these schools, parents, and students, more metro residents will have food on their table this winter."

Oklahoma is one of the hungriest states in the nation – ranking sixth in food insecurity. Even though the Regional Food Bank provides enough food to feed more than 63,000 people each week, it is still not enough. Financial donations are down 17 percent, while distribution is up 22 percent compared to the same time last year.

For more information about hunger in Oklahoma, or to make a donation, call 405.972.1111. Until December 31, Chesapeake Energy is matching donations to the Regional Food Bank, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000.