Oklahoma Regional Food Bank Steps Up For Kids In The Summer

There was no shortage of cars at the Moore Food and Resource Center, which means no shortage of need for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

In addition to loading up shopping carts worth of food for families, they’ve also started their summer feeding sites, providing quick, easy and nutritious meals for children.

“There’s no preparation needed, and so they’re able to get that good nutritious food that they need to thrive," said Cathy Nestlen of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

Anyone 18 years or younger is eligible and each child in the family is provided with a bagged breakfast and lunch.

The distribution looks a little different this year. Normally, instead of a drive-thru service, the kids eat inside the center.

Another difference, the demand. Most sites served 30 to 40 kids per day in the past. This year, it’s more like 150.

“The need is there, it’s grown, we’re seeing anywhere from 30% to 50% in need, and we don’t see it decreasing anytime soon unfortunately," Nestlen says.

The food bank said Oklahoma is the fifth hungriest state in the country and Feeding America estimates 1 in 3 children don’t have access to consistent meals, which makes providing this service that much more important in the summer.

“We always see a bit more stress on families so it’s great to be able to provide this sort of food," Nestlen said.

If you'd like to find out more information about the Summer Feeding program, you can visit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's website.