November 7, 2013
News Release

Governor Mary Fallin’s fourth annual Feeding Oklahoma Food Drive raised more than 2.9 million meals for hungry Oklahomans this holiday season. The drive, which ran throughout October, exceeded its goal of raising 1.4 million meals. In total, the drive raised $390,659 and 1,179,087 pounds of food. A portion of the donations will also benefit Oklahomans impacted by the May tornadoes.

“I am continually overwhelmed by the support and generosity shown by Oklahomans in all 77 counties, and this year’s food drive proves to be no different,” Fallin said. “I want to especially thank all the sponsors and the caring people of this state who donated their time and resources to help feed our neighbors in Oklahoma. Oklahoma is a great place because of its people. Their support of this food drive ensures more Oklahoma families will have a better holiday season.”

The Feeding Oklahoma Food Drive benefited the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and their partner agencies across Oklahoma. Over the last four years, more than 2,578,293 pounds of food and $1,139,571 has been raised through the Feeding Oklahoma Food Drive, which has provided more than 7.8 million meals for hungry Oklahomans.

Food drop-off sites during the month-long drive included: BancFirst locations, Bob Moore Auto Group dealerships, metro area Love’s Travel Stops, select AT&T stores, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and all partner agencies. UPS picked up and delivered donations around the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro areas.

“We are extremely grateful for Governor Fallin’s continued support in the fight against hunger in Oklahoma,” said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “We also want to thank our friends who joined us in raising meals for our hungry Oklahoma neighbors. During the winter months, 40 percent of our clients have to choose between food and electricity. Thanks to your support, they may not have to make that choice this year.”

Oklahoma consistently ranks among the top 10 hungriest states in the nation, with more than 675,000 Oklahomans struggling with hunger every day. That number has been on the rise due in part to the tornado devastation across the state. Oklahoma’s food banks provide enough food to feed more than 150,000 people each week with the demand increasing during the holiday season.

Bivens joined Eileen Bradshaw, executive director of the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, to express their thanks to all the people of Oklahoma who made this year’s Feeding Oklahoma Food Drive a success.

For more information on the food drive or to make a donation to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, visit www.feedingoklahoma.org or call 405-600-3136.

About the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is the state’s largest hunger relief organization. The nonprofit provides enough food to feed more than 90,000 hungry Oklahomans each week through a network of more than 1,000 schools and charitable feeding programs in 53 central and western Oklahoma counties. Since its inception in 1980, the Regional Food Bank has distributed more than 500 million pounds of food to feed Oklahoma’s hungry. For more information, visit http://www.regionalfoodbank.org; find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/regionalfoodbank or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/rfbo.

About the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma

Founded in 1981, the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma is one of the largest, private hunger-relief organizations in Oklahoma. It distributes donated grocery items to 450 Partner Programs in 24 counties of Eastern Oklahoma. These programs include food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after-school programs, shelters and senior centers. Collectively, they distribute more than 275,000 meals a week. In addition, the Food Bank helps raise public awareness about hunger and the role of food banking in alleviating hunger. In 2012, the Food Bank distributed more than 17.1 million pounds of food.

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