Ring in the New Year by Fighting Hunger in Oklahoma

(OKLAHOMA CITY) – Jan. 16, 2019 - As the new year begins, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is seeking volunteers to donate their time to fight hunger in the state. The hard work of volunteers helps the Regional Food Bank distribute nearly one million pounds of food per week to community-based partner agencies in 53 Oklahoma counties.

"The beginning of the year is one of our slowest times for volunteers," said Kendra Loper, chief community engagement officer of the Regional Food Bank. "With the help of individuals, community groups and corporate groups we can help provide much needed nutrition to our neighbors living with hunger."

Last year, more than 44,830 volunteers helped the Regional Food Bank save over $4.2 million in labor costs. Volunteers like Bill, who regularly donates his time to help assemble meals in Hope’s Kitchen.

“It fills a need and it's very rewarding to prepare and send out food when you realize how many people it helps," Bill said.

The Regional Food Bank has more than 3,351 individual slots available in February. Volunteer shifts are offered Monday through Saturday, including several evening shifts. A range of opportunities are available to volunteers:

Volunteer Center - Volunteers play a key role in the Regional Food Bank’s Food for Kids Programs, including bagging cereal and assembling food sacks for the Backpack Program. Other tasks in the Volunteer Center include bagging and boxing food items and sorting produce and bread.
Hope’s Kitchen – In our production kitchen, volunteers prepare and pack fresh, healthy meals for the Kids Café and Senior Servings programs.
Protein Packaging Center - Protein is a very important source of nutrition for people living with hunger. Volunteers in the Protein Packaging Center help repackage bulk protein donations into family-size portions.
Mobile Markets - The Regional Food Bank places a priority on increasing the volume of fresh fruits and vegetables for Oklahomans with inconsistent access to healthy food. Volunteers assist with distributing fresh produce at both the Fresh Food Mobile Markets and the Senior Mobile Markets at various locations around the Oklahoma City metro area.
Moore Food & Resource Center - Volunteers at the Moore Food & Resource Center assist clients as they shop for food, restock shelves and help sort inventory.

Find a full list of volunteer shifts and descriptions by visiting rfbo.org/volunteer.