Senior Pantry Program

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, in partnership with the Oklahoma City Housing Authority (OCHA), currently operates two on-site Senior Pantries. Over the next five years, eight more planned pantries will open at other senior housing sites throughout Oklahoma City.

The Senior Pantry Program gives residents monthly access to a fully stocked client-choice food pantry within their building, eliminating transportation barriers for older clients who are often disabled or have limited mobility. Senior Pantries are tailored to the nutritional needs and food preferences of seniors living in smaller households, featuring easy-open packaging, smaller portions, foods that are simple to prepare and senior-specific toiletry items.

Working with the Regional Food Bank’s Healthy Pantry team, Senior Pantries are better able to provide appropriate foods for the many residents living with dietary-related diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. Thousands of older Oklahomans live on fixed incomes, such as SSI or Social Security, and are unlikely to see their financial situations improve over time. OCHA helps to keep many of these seniors safely and affordably housed, and providing a Senior Food Pantry on-site will ensure they have access to the nutrition needed to maintain their health and independence.