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!
Message from Jeff
In recent weeks, there has been growing concern about the federal government shutdown and how it may affect food assistance programs. Unfortunately, it has been announced that federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be available starting November 1.
This will leave thousands of Oklahomans without the help they depend on and place an even greater demand on the Food Bank and the community pantries we support. These are unplanned costs that were never part of our annual budget, and we will need your help to meet the increased need left by the loss of SNAP benefits.
The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma is working in partnership with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Feeding America, state agencies, and our network of community-based pantries to prepare for the increased demand, but we cannot do it alone. I ask for your help today. Every dollar you give will help provide meals, hope, and comfort to our neighbors during this uncertain time.
Thank you for standing with us, believing in our mission, and helping ensure that every Oklahoman has a place at the table.
The best part of Hunger Action Month is that you can help make a difference all year round.
Engaging State Leaders in the Fight Against Hunger
We recently welcomed State Representatives Melissa Provenzano (District 79) and Suzanne Schreiber (District 70) to the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. These productive meetings provided valuable opportunities to share the challenges facing our communities and the innovative ways we are working to meet those needs. Our representatives offered insightful guidance to strengthen our advocacy strategy and ensure that hunger relief remains a priority across eastern Oklahoma.
Last Call for
Giving Spirits Tickets!
We’re thrilled to announce the return of Giving Spirits, a one-of-a-kind evening celebrating community, compassion, and the fight against hunger. Join us Saturday, November 8, 2025, for an unforgettable night featuring fine spirits, wine, and beer, live music, curated food pairings, exciting auctions, and a delicious dinner prepared by our Culinary Team. Don’t miss this special evening supporting our mission to end hunger!
New Program Alert:
Pack Away Hunger!
We’re excited to launch Pack Away Hunger, a new campaign supporting our Backpack for Kids Program. Thousands of children in eastern Oklahoma count on school meals as their main source of food, and this program helps fill the gap on weekends and school breaks. You can make a difference! Visit okfoodbank.org/packaway to see what goes in each kit, pack them on your own time, and drop them off at the Food Bank. Together, we can ensure every child has the help they deserve for a bright future!
Hunters Against Hunger
The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma is excited to launch Hunters Against Hunger! This hunting season, local hunters can donate legally harvested deer to help feed families in need. In partnership with local meat processors, your donation turns your harvest into meals for neighbors across eastern Oklahoma. Enjoy the hunt—make a difference. Learn more and find participating processors at: okfoodbank.org/hunters
| Volunteer Highlight |
The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma is deeply grateful to the Boston Avenue Men’s Club for their unwavering support and in helping us advance our mission to end hunger. Over the years, these dedicated men have generously given their time to Sorting & Packing events – packing boxes, weighing, labeling, and organizing product for distribution to our pantry partners. They have a standing monthly volunteer commitment and their enthusiasm for service continues to grow. Always eager to make a difference, they’ve added a new monthly volunteer event to their schedule, assisting at Free Family Farmers Markets held at community CAP and Educare sites. They help set up produce stands and support community members in selecting fresh fruits and vegetables. For these men, it’s the opportunity to connect with and serve the people in their community that means the most. Thank you, Boston Avenue Men’s Club!
| Partner Agency Highlight |
South Tulsa Community House (STCH) is located in the Tulsa area and offers a “One-Stop Social Service Center” for people experiencing poverty, which includes a food pantry. More recently, they have made the decision to transition to a Full-Choice distribution model, beginning early next year. This means that neighbors visiting the food pantry hand-select their own food, comparable to visiting a grocery store. Their decision to transition to this model came after surveying their neighbors to see if the food provided meets their needs. STCH’s hope is to provide a more dignified experience for their neighbors.
Did You Know?
Did you know the U.S. throws away one-third of the food it produces each year? The Food Bank’s Retail Store Donation Program partners with local retailers to change that by accepting donations of fresh produce, meat, dairy, and baked goods that can no longer be sold but are still good to eat. Instead of ending up in landfills, this food goes to our network of pantries and meal programs, providing nutritious food for families while reducing waste.
