Oct. 27, 2022 – The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Food for Kids Match has raised more than $1 million to fight childhood hunger in central and western Oklahoma. The Food for Kids Match was made possible thanks to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Mark and Beth Brewer, Chesapeake Energy, David Gorham, Energy Transfer, David and Lezlie Hudiburg, Dolese Bros and Marathon Oil. KOCO News 5 partnered with the Regional Food Bank to promote the match with special programming dedicated to fighting childhood hunger in Oklahoma.

“No child should ever have to face hunger. We feel incredibly blessed to have such passionate support from our sponsors, media partners and everyday Oklahomans who are willing to pitch-in and help put meals on the table for children in our state,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank.

The Food for Kids Match kicked off in August and ran through September. Every donation made was matched, up to $265,000, thanks to donations from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Mark and Beth Brewer, Chesapeake Energy, David Gorham, Energy Transfer, David and Lezlie Hudiburg, Dolese Bros and Marathon Oil.

“Good nutrition has a positive impact on student performance, and we want every student to learn and perform to the fullest extent of their potential,” said John Logan, executive director of the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma. “We hope our support of the Food for Kids Programs will help these students become successful adults who will help build better communities.”

In total, the Food for Kids Match raised $1,005,482 for the Regional Food Bank’s Food for Kids Programs. Feeding America projects that Oklahoma has the highest rate of very low food security among children in the United States. The Food for Kids Programs are the most expensive programs offered through the Regional Food Bank, costing more than $4 million a year to operate.

For the first time in 2022, KOCO joined the Regional Food Bank as the official broadcast partner of the Food for Kids Match featuring the Food for Kids Programs and highlighting the match during newscasts throughout the month. KOCO employees also volunteered in Hope’s Kitchen, the Regional Food Bank’s production kitchen, during the match to help create meals for the Food for Kids Programs.

“We’re thrilled to have expanded our partnership with the Regional Food Bank with the Food for Kids Match this year. Our viewers are the best, and we can always depend on them to recognize the need and donate all they can,” said Brent Hensley, president and general manager of KOCO 5. “For our team at KOCO 5, it’s an honor for us to help Oklahomans in need”.