Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Distributes One Billionth Meal to Oklahomans Living with Hunger

Media release

(OKLAHOMA CITY) – Nov. 10, 2026 – The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma packaged its one billionth meal with community members, employees, donors and partners gathered to commemorate the milestone during a ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 10, at its headquarters.

“One billion meals served is a number we are proud to hit, and it is a great testament to the innovation and work of this organization since 1980,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. “It is also a somber number. It’s difficult to think of the thousands of scenarios that could have led Oklahoma families to the doorsteps of our great partners across central and western Oklahoma.”

For the past 46 years, the Regional Food Bank has led the fight against hunger in central and western Oklahoma, distributing food in 53-counties through a network of community-based partners and schools. Dykstra indicated that the milestone could not have been achieved without support from Regional Food Bank partners, advocates, donors, volunteers, staff and board members both past and present.

“We know that no single organization can solve hunger on its own,” Dykstra said. “It takes a network of partners who understand their communities, donors who believe in the mission, volunteers who give their time, advocates who raise their voices and people who refuse to accept that anyone in our state should have to go without a meal.”

Following the ceremony, the Oklahoma City Thunder made a surprise $25,000 donation to the Regional Food Bank.

Following the ceremony, the Thunder Community Foundation presented a $25,000 donation to the Regional Food Bank in support of its ongoing efforts to provide food assistance to Oklahoma families facing hunger.

“One billion meals represents an extraordinary commitment to serving our neighbors, but it also reminds us of the tremendous need that exists across Oklahoma,” said Erin Oldfield, executive director of the Thunder Community Foundation. “Behind every meal is a person, a family or a child facing circumstances that no one should have to navigate alone. The Regional Food Bank has been a lifeline for so many, and we are grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside them in this important work. Our hope is that this contribution helps provide some relief to families while reinforcing the urgent need to continue working together toward a future where no Oklahoman goes hungry.”

This milestone and donation come at a critical time, when thousands of Oklahomans no longer qualify for SNAP and inflation remains high. According to Feeding America’s recent Map the Meal Gap report, Oklahoma has the second highest rate of food insecurity rate in the nation, and the highest when it comes to child food insecurity.

“That reality can feel overwhelming,” Dykstra said. “But I believe this milestone gives us every reason to be hopeful, because we know what this community can accomplish when we work together.”

The work continues to provide meals for Oklahomans living with hunger. Visit rfbo.org/take-action to learn more about how you can get involved in the fight against hunger.

About the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is leading the fight against hunger in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma and envisions a state where no one goes hungry. Founded in 1980, the Regional Food Bank is the state’s largest domestic hunger-relief 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes food through a network of community- based partner agencies and schools. The majority of people served by the Regional Food Bank are chronically hungry children, seniors living on fixed incomes and hardworking families struggling to make ends meet. The Regional Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s network of food banks. To join the fight to end hunger, visit rfbo.org.