Welcome to The Feed — a quick update about the tremendous impact YOU — our donors, partner agencies, volunteers, and the eastern Oklahoma community make! We could not fight hunger without you!
Advocating for Oklahoma Families in Washington, D.C.
Representatives from the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma recently joined food banks from across the country in Washington, D.C., for the Feeding America Fly-In to advocate for our neighbors facing hunger. Alongside partners from Hunger Free Oklahoma, we met with lawmakers to share the challenges families in our communities are experiencing and to highlight policies that strengthen access to nutritious food.
These conversations help ensure the voices of eastern Oklahoma are heard as decisions are made that impact food security nationwide. Every discussion brings us one step closer to a stronger, more responsive system that helps families put food on the table
Strengthening Communities Through Agriculture and Youth Leadership
The Food Bank recently attended the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE), where staff connected with students in FFA and 4-H. Students shared about the hard work, dedication, and responsibility that goes into raising animals, as well as the importance of giving back to their communities.
While at OYE, the Food Bank secured pig donations that will be processed at Walke Brothers Meat Company. The processed pork will turn into protein-rich pork sticks for the Backpack Program, which helps provide nutritious food to children facing food insecurity. This effort is made possible through a partnership with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, highlighting the strong connection between agriculture, youth leadership, and community support.
Local Leaders See Hunger Relief Efforts in Action
We were honored to welcome Daniel Pae, Oklahoma State Representative for District 62, and Jackie Dutton, Tulsa City Councilor, to the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.
During their visit, we discussed the growing challenge of food insecurity in our region and the importance of strong partnerships in addressing hunger. We also shared the innovative programs and collaborations helping expand access to nutritious food for families and children.
Visits like these allow community leaders to see firsthand the impact that can be achieved when nonprofits, government leaders, volunteers, and donors work together to serve neighbors in need.
The Tulsa Home & Garden Show Provides Food for Kids
Following the Home & Garden Show at the SageNet Center, the Tulsa Home Builders Association, in partnership with Tinker Federal Credit Union, presented the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma with a $7,375 donation to support the Food for Kids programs with News On 6.
This generous gift will help provide more than 30,000 pounds of food to children in our community, helping ensure kids have the meals they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Food Bank Hosts First Legacy Society Dinner
We were honored to host our first Legacy Society Dinner, celebrating the generous supporters who have made significant gifts to advance the mission of the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. The evening was a meaningful opportunity to recognize the donors whose long-term commitment helps ensure our neighbors facing hunger receive the support they need.
Guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner and an inspiring message from G. T. Bynum, former Mayor of Tulsa and Vice President of Community and Government Affairs at Saint Francis Health System.
It was a special night of gratitude, fellowship, and shared purpose as we celebrated the lasting impact of generosity in our community.
Food Bank Chef Joaquinn Wins Big at Charity Chili Cook-Off
We were honored to take part in the Ryan Lawn & Tree Chili Cook-Off for Charity. We’re especially proud that the Food Bank’s own Joaquinn Juarez took home the Judge’s Pick with his incredible chili recipe.
The day was filled with great food, fun, and fantastic music thanks to Big Country 99.5. A big congratulations as well to the People’s Choice Winner, Ryan Lawn & Tree’s Branch Manager, Christian.
Want to try Joaquinn’s award‑winning chili at home? Click the link below for the delicious recipe!
| Volunteer Highlight |
Good Trouble Tulsa
Good Trouble Tulsa is a community-focused organization of women in Tulsa, Oklahoma, committed to strengthening civic engagement in their community. The group centers on empowering women to connect, learn, and act together. “We foster leadership, educate members about civic systems, and organize collective action to influence local and state issues.”
Thank you, Good Trouble, for your incredible support in the fight against hunger!
Partner Program Highlight
Farmers Market Distribution
Distributions Coordinator, Patricia Newton, recently launched a monthly taste test initiative at her farmers market-style distribution for early childhood education centers. The purpose is to expose young children and their families to a variety of fruits and vegetables and build a habit of trying new things.
Her latest taste test at Educare MacArthur included dragon fruit and persimmons. Both fruits were well-received by the crowd, but persimmons won the majority vote.
Newton and her volunteers serve 13 Educare and CAP sites in Tulsa County, providing 10 to 15 produce items at each market that families can choose from, such as potatoes, onions, peppers, bananas, and berries.
Did You Know?
In the News
We are grateful for all the local, regional, statewide, and even national news coverage our programs receive! Check out some of the coverage below, including our CEO Jeff Marlow featured in the nationally recognized publication: Food Bank News!
Food Bank Kitchens Get More Ambitious – Food Bank News
Tulsa Home & Garden Show – Newson6.com
Food Bank donates over 2,400 pounds of food to support Tulsa TSA workers during government
Video: The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma teaches FOX23 a French onion dip recipe | News | fox23.com
For even more recent coverage of our life-changing programs, click here!
