Help Feed Oklahoma's Hungry With The Regional Food Bank

A drive to bring more food to the hungry in Oklahoma will end Tuesday, November 22. The Regional Food Bank needs help stocking the shelves for the winter months.

"This comes at a critical time," said executive director Rodney Bivens. "During the winter months and during the holidays, times are critical. Heating bills go up. People have to make choices on where they can pay their rent, pay their heating bill or put food on their table.

With cuts in federal donations and state aid, the food bank's supply has gone down as demand increases, according to executive director Rodney Bivens.

9/22/2011 Related Story: Oklahoma Food Banks Hit Hard By Recession

Oklahoma is the fifth hungriest state in the nation. An estimated 600,000 Oklahomans are struggling with hunger, many of them children and seniors.

The food drive is held in partnership with Governor Mary Fallin's statewide food and fund drive to help the hungry. News 9's Food for Kids program is also ongoing.

Here are some ways to help:

• Donate time to your local food bank or pantry
• Donate to the Regional Food Bank on their web site
• Hold a food drive in your community

Though the Governor's food drive ends this week, the Regional Food Bank is always in need of money, volunteers and other donations to benefit Oklahoma's hungry citizens.