Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Oklahomans Unite to Provide 1 Million Meals for the Hungry Statewide
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, Governor Fallin launched her second annual “Feeding Oklahoma” food and fundraising drive to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, and their partner agencies across the state.
“No one should have to go hungry during the Holiday Season,” Fallin said. “By collecting a million meals for families in Oklahoma, we’re helping to make sure they won’t have to. I’m encouraging everyone who can to get involved in this food drive, to collect non-perishable food items or to make a monetary donation to help the hungry. I’ve always said that Oklahomans are the most generous and caring people in the world, and this is one more opportunity to showcase that community spirit.”
The goal of “Feeding Oklahoma” is to raise enough food and funds to provide 1 million meals for hungry Oklahomans.
Chesapeake Energy today announced a $100,000 donation toward the Feeding Oklahoma food drive – which will provide 500,000 meals, half the total goal. “Chesapeake got us off to a great start and we appreciate their commitment to fighting hunger,” Fallin said.
The food drive runs through November 22nd and the Governor is asking businesses, organizations, and individuals to get involved. To participate in the food drive, call (405)604-7109 or (918)585-2800; e-mail feedingoklahoma2011@gmail.com or visit www.regionalfoodbank.org or www.cfbeo.org. Online donations can be made at www.feedoklahoma.org. For every $1 donated, five meals will be provided to those in need. All donations are tax deductible and will benefit hungry Oklahomans.
Oklahomans can drop-off non-perishable food items at the following locations: all BancFirst locations statewide; Oklahoma Farm Bureau offices statewide; the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma in Tulsa; the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City; and all Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores in Oklahoma City metro area and locations in Norman and in Guthrie on Interstate 35. Most needed items include: canned meat, canned vegetables, canned fruits, canned tuna, peanut butter and rice and beans.
“This holiday season, we’re preparing to serve more of those in need than ever before,” said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “When people are struggling to pay for rent and bills, food becomes a luxury they just can’t afford. Help your neighbors in need; make their winter warmer by making a donation to this food drive.”
Oklahoma is the fifth-hungriest state in the nation, where 600,000 people struggle with hunger every day. Oklahoma food banks serve more than 150,000 people each week, yet it is not enough to keep up with the increased demand.
“We want to thank Governor Fallin for once again joining the fight against hunger in our state,” said Sara Waggoner, executive director of the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. “Donations will benefit those who are struggling to keep food on their table this winter. Oklahomans are very generous with giving back to help those in need and the Oklahoma Food Banks are extremely grateful for the support.”
Governor Fallin would also like to recognize UPS for collecting donations from BancFirst locations and Laure Majors and Laura Watts for co-chairing the food drive.
About the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
Established in 1980, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is the largest private hunger-relief organization in the state of Oklahoma. The majority of those served by the Regional Food Bank are children, seniors living on fixed incomes and working families who cannot make ends meet. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is a private, 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that acts as a link through which the food industry and community may donate food and other goods. The products are then distributed to nearly 825 schools and charitable feeding programs in 53 central and western Oklahoma counties. In fiscal year 2011, the Food Bank distributed 46.2 million pounds of food and product to help the charitable community effectively feed people in need. Since its inception in 1980, the Food Bank has distributed more than 414 million pounds of food to feed Oklahoma’s hungry. Visit regionalfoodbank.org to learn more.
About the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma
Founded in 1981, the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma is one of the largest, private hunger-relief organizations in Oklahoma. They distribute donated grocery items to 450 Partner Programs in 24 counties of Eastern Oklahoma. These programs include food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after school programs, shelters and senior centers. In turn, those programs collectively feed 70,000 people each week, the equivalent of more than 1 million meals per month. In addition, the Food Bank helps raise public awareness about hunger and the role of food banking in alleviating hunger. Last year the Food Bank distributed nearly 17 million pounds of food.