Volunteers Feeding Hungry Oklahomans by Helping Regional Food Bank

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahomans are finding a way to turn the lazy days of summer into helping the community. The Regional Food Bank is calling all hands on deck to help feed hungry families and the volunteers are making a difference.

"We produce about 3 and a half semis of product every day," said Joe Wood with the Regional Food Bank.

These boxes will feed more than 77,000 people every week. But all of the food wouldn't make it to hungry Oklahomans without volunteers.

"Yesterday we packaged 24,000 meals so a lot of people and we're working for three days," said volunteer Gage Owen.

Gage Owen and his church group came all the way from Woodward, Oklahoma to volunteer. They packed emergency family boxes. The boxes will go to food pantries all over the state.

"It's hard work, but it's fun at the same time. And you think about what you're doing and just feels good," Owen said.

The food bank would like more people to catch the volunteer spirit. August is just around the corner and happens to be one of the slowest volunteer months.

"Our volunteer participation in June and July was excellent. August it's a little bit hot, little sluggish, back to school and I really need some help," Wood said.

You don't have to be with a group. Wood said a lot of individuals just show up to help.

"I didn't have nothing else to do so I decided to come out here and work," said volunteer Bill Fronterhouse.

Fronterhouse has been coming in every day for three weeks. Even if you can't devote that much time, just one day can make a difference.

"When you're done, you're really tired but it feels really great to know you helped all these other people," Owen said.

Volunteer hours are from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Learn more about volunteering at the Regional Food Bank.