Rodney Bivens Retiring From Regional Food Bank

Wednesday, the man who started the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in the back of his pickup truck 36 years ago, announced he'll retire.

Since 1980, Rodney Bivens has given his all to making the Regional Food Bank what it is today.

The first year he distributed 280,000 pounds of food. Now, they distribute that amount every one to two days.

There are Oklahoma children who haven't gone hungry over the summer because of it. And there are families who've had a place to pick up food when they have no money to pay for it.

There have been generous Oklahomans supporting the cause for many years. And at the heart of it all - has been Rodney.

So, the decision to retire is one he doesn't take lightly.

“It’s kind of like raising a child. The child grows up and after 36 years it’s time to go off to college. It’s a little late doing that but it’s time. We want new energy, new blood to come in to the organization. I founded the organization and I want what’s best for it,” said Bivens.

Bivens said as he approaches his 70th birthday, the timing is right. He says he's most proud of the childhood hunger programs he's seen blossom, like the backpack program which just last year gave more than 18,000 kids food on the weekends and holidays.

Bivens said the food bank's work is far from over.

“I’d love to come back in ten years and say ‘Wow, I never dreamed of this’”.

The Food Bank's started a national search for Rodney's replacement. And as for Rodney, he says he's looking forward to relaxing, doing some gardening and travel.