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News Story | December 24, 2020

Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Wednesday $6 million from the state’s federal coronavirus relief funding will go toward helping food banks across the state restock.

The Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma will distribute food purchased with the funds to partners in their areas.

"Oklahoma’s food banks have been such a valuable partner in our state’s comprehensive response to COVID-19. I’m proud to be able to deliver these funds to help replenish their supplies and ensure they have what they need to continue their important mission of feeding Oklahomans who need assistance," Stitt said in a statement.

Since March, the two food banks have distributed a combined 7.3 million pounds more food than during the same time period last year. Food banks across the state have seen up to a 30% increase in the number of Oklahomans looking for help.

"With many avenues of securing donated food interrupted due to this pandemic, food banks have resorted to purchasing more food to meet the vastly increased demand. While hopeful for a quick recovery, we know the benefits of an improved economy will take longest to reach the people we serve," Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma Lori Long said in a statement.

Read more about Oklahoma Food Banks Get $6M in State CARES Act Funds to Restock

News Story | December 24, 2020

Oklahoma will use $6 million in CARES Act money to replenish food banks across the state.

The funds will be used to replenish the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank in Eastern Oklahoma, both of which had their supplies depleted after a rough year that left many Oklahomans seeking help.

"Oklahoma's food banks have been such a valuable partner in our state's comprehensive response to COVID-19," Gov. Kevin Stitt said in a news release. "I'm proud to be able to deliver these funds to help replenish their supplies and ensure they have what they need to continue their important mission of feeding Oklahomans who need assistance."

According to the state, the two food banks have distributed 7.3 million pounds more in 2020 than they did in 2019. The food banks have also seen an 25-30% increase in Oklahomans seeking assistance.

Read more about Oklahoma to use $6 million in CARES Act money to replenish food banks

News Story | December 24, 2020

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt said that $6 million in CARES Act funding has been approved to help local food banks provide assistance to families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Governor Stitt, the money will support the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

The governor's office said that both agencies need help replenishing their food supply as many Oklahomans struggle to feed their families amid the pandemic.

The two food banks have distributed 7.3 million pounds more this year than the previous year. Food banks are also seeing a 25% to 30% increase in the number of Oklahomans needing help.

Read more about Gov. Stitt Announces $6M In CARES Act Funding Approved To Help Local Food Banks

Press Release | December 23, 2020

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 23, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today $6 million has been approved in replenishment funding from the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund to support food banks statewide.

These funds will reach each corner of the state by delivery through the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. The funding will allow the two food banks to replenish their food supply after an unprecedented year that left many Oklahomans struggling to feed their families.

“Oklahoma’s food banks have been such a valuable partner in our state’s comprehensive response to COVID-19,” said Gov. Stitt. "I’m proud to be able to deliver these funds to help replenish their supplies and ensure they have what they need to continue their important mission of feeding Oklahomans who need assistance.”

Since COVID-19 was first confirmed in Oklahoma, there has been a drastic increase in need from food insecure families across the state. The two food banks combined have distributed 7.3 million pounds more in 2020 than during the same time frame last year. Additionally, food banks have seen a 25 to 30 percent increase in the number of Oklahomans seeking assistance.

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma are part of the Feeding America network and support community food banks in all 77 counties.  

Read more about Governor Stitt Announces $6 Million In CARES Act Funds Approved for Food Banks