In support of Hunger Action Month, the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma (Food Bank) held several activities throughout September to raise awareness of food insecurity. The Food Bank challenged participants with “30 Ways (to fight hunger) in 30 Days.” A Family Night at the Food Bank was held, where children as young as eight years old were able to get involved and volunteer. There was also a day where donations were doubled, providing eight meals for every dollar donated! One of the larger events advertised was the 11th Annual Tulsa Restaurant Week. Forty seven restaurants around Tulsa participated by donating ten percent of their special menu sales to the Food Bank’s Food For Kids programs. Each day in September offered an opportunity to spread awareness, make a donation, or volunteer in some way.

As hunger is an issue year round, the Food Bank provides 396,000 meals per week to people right here in Eastern Oklahoma. In fact, food insecurity in Oklahoma is higher than the national average, affecting more than one in four children each day.

The Junior League of Tulsa, Inc.’s (JLT) Community Food Bank committee partners with the Food Bank. The goal of the committee is to provide parents and teachers a comfortable and relaxed setting to build relationships and develop rapport. JLT members serve monthly meals, provided by the food bank, to families at Penn Elementary School and Hawthorne Elementary school. Last month, one meal was lasagna, sautéed squash, rolls, and a dessert.

According to Quinn Cooper Eves, Community Food Bank committee chair, Community dinners are strategically planned to coincide with school events like PTA meetings, Literacy Night, or field trips.

“The placement of these events have been a great way to encourage more attendance to these important school events,” according to Cooper Eves.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit okfoodbank.org and remember the Community Food Bank committee during JLT’s scramble next year!