(Oklahoma City, Okla.) On Friday, Jan. 11, thousands of Oklahomans impacted by the federal government shutdown will not receive a paycheck. This could force many families into a state of economic instability, resulting in food insecurity. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma wants to assure anyone impacted by the federal government shutdown that they can seek food assistance at more than 300 community-based partner agencies* in 53 central and western Oklahoma counties.
“We have asked our partners to extend their eligibility assistance to anyone impacted by the shutdown,” said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. “Too many families live paycheck to paycheck and as a result, missing just one pay day can result in that household having to choose between paying bills or buying food. The Regional Food Bank and its partners are ready to step in and provide food assistance when needed.”
Individuals in need of food assistance are encouraged to go online to rfbo.org/gethelp, enter their zip code to find nearby food pantries or call 405-972-1111.
As the shutdown continues, it will continue to impact federal nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Last year, SNAP provided food assistance for nearly 875,000 Oklahomans. Due to a reserve of funds from the prior fiscal year, the USDA will provide the February benefits to SNAP recipients in late January. At this point, there is no available funding for SNAP in March.
While the Regional Food Bank receives and distributes commodities from the USDA, which are being delayed due to the shutdown, it’s the funding from donors that allows the Regional Food Bank to help fill in the gap during the government shutdown. To make a monetary donation, visit rfbo.org/give or call 405-600-3136. To donate food, call 405-972-1111.
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 everyone, regardless of circumstance, has access to nutritious food. Founded in 1980, the Regional Food Bank is the state’s largest 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.
