(OKLAHOMA CITY) – Food insecurity negatively impacts physical, emotional and cognitive development in children. Through Sept. 30, donations to the Regional Food Bank’s Food for Kids Programs are matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $285,000, thanks to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Mark and Beth Brewer, Expand Energy, Dolese Brothers Corporation and David and Leslie Hudiburg.
“As the new school year approaches, please help make sure our children have a stable supply of food,” said John Logan, executive director of the Masonic Charity Foundation. “Giving now will double your gift and make a difference in a child’s life and our future.”
Every dollar raised will go towards the Regional Food bank’s four Food for Kids programs. Those programs include the School Pantry Program, the Summer Feeding Program, Kids Cafés and the Backpack Program.
The School Pantry Program provides chronically hungry middle and high school students with food to sustain them after school and over weekends. The Summer Feeding Program provides free meals and snacks to children up to the age of 18 throughout the summer months when school is not in session. Many children in Oklahoma lack access to proper nutritious meals outside of school, so these programs are essential for their well-being.
Kids Cafés are after school and school break programs that provide meals and snacks as well as tutoring and mentor services to children. The Backpack Program provides kid-friendly, nutritious food to elementary school children who have been identified as being food insecure.
Last school year, the Regional Food Bank provided more than 2.8 million meals through its Food for Kids Programs.
“Childhood hunger can keep kids from reaching their full potential, increasing their risk of health and developmental problems” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “We are so grateful for our Food for Kids Match sponsors who have stepped up to ensure that no child has to face the school day on an empty stomach.”
KOCO 5 News returns as the official television sponsor of the Food for Kids Match and will highlight the impacts of the Regional Food Bank’s four Food for Kids programs.
“The work of the Regional Food Bank is essential work for many in our community,” said Brent Hensley, general manager at KOCO 5. “It is our honor to tell the stories of the need and the positive impact being made.”
A $100 donation to the Food for Kids match will support two children in one of the Food for Kids Programs for an entire school year. Donations can be made at rfbo.org/kids or by texting “KidsOK” to 53-555.
About the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is leading the fight against hunger in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma and envisions a state where no one goes hungry. Founded in 1980, the Regional Food Bank is the state’s largest domestic hunger-relief 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes food through a network of community- based partner agencies and schools. The majority of people served by the Regional Food Bank are chronically hungry children, seniors living on fixed incomes and hardworking families struggling to make ends meet. The Regional Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s network of food banks. To join the fight to end hunger, visit rfbo.org.
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is leading the fight against hunger in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma and envisions a state where no one goes hungry. Founded in 1980, the Regional Food Bank is the state’s largest domestic hunger-relief 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes food through a network of community- based partner agencies and schools. The majority of people served by the Regional Food Bank are chronically hungry children, seniors living on fixed incomes and hardworking families struggling to make ends meet. The Regional Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s network of food banks. To join the fight to end hunger, visit rfbo.org.
