Aug. 1, 2025 – As childhood hunger continues to impact thousands of Oklahoma children, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is launching its annual Food for Kids Match campaign to ensure no child has to face the school day on an empty stomach. Through Sept. 30, every donation to the Regional Food Bank’s Food for Kids Programs will be matched, up to $290,455 thanks to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Expand Energy, Mark and Beth Brewer, Dolese Bros, Energy Transfer and David and Lezlie Hudiburg.

“Freemasons support efforts to combat food insecurity for children because no child should have to struggle with hunger,” said John Logan, executive director of the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma. “Supporting these efforts is a way to invest in stronger, healthier communities. It’s not just about giving food — it’s about giving children a fair chance to thrive.”

A $100 donation to the Food for Kids match will support two children in one of the Food for Kids Programs for an entire school year. Donations can be made at rfbo.org/kids or by texting “KidsOK” to 53-555.

“We are deeply grateful to all our donors whose generosity makes the Food for Kids Match campaign possible,” said Stacy Dykstra, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “We have the power to provide more nutritious meals to children facing mounting food insecurity. Together, we can ensure Oklahoma kids have the nourishment they need to learn, grow and thrive.”

KOCO 5 News returns as the official television sponsor of the Food for Kids Match and will highlight the impact of the Regional Food Bank’s four Food for Kids Programs throughout the campaign.

Through the Food for Kids Programs, the Regional Food Bank provided more than 2 million meals last school year. The Food for Kids Programs are the School Pantry Program, the Summer Feeding Program, Kids Cafés and the Backpack Program.

The School Pantry Program provides chronically hungry middle and high school students with food to sustain them after school and over weekends. The Summer Feeding Program provides free meals and snacks to children up to the age of 18 throughout the summer months when school is not in session. Many children in Oklahoma lack access to proper nutritious meals outside of school, so these programs are essential for their well-being.

Kids Cafés are after school and school break programs that provide meals and snacks as well as tutoring and mentor services to children. The Backpack Program provides kid-friendly, nutritious food to elementary school children who have been identified as being food insecure.