Food pantries in Oklahoma are gearing up to assist even more locals as vital SNAP benefits are set to end on November 1. This change will hit thousands of families hard.
At Our Daily Bread Food & Resource Center in Stillwater, they’re preparing for the expected surge in demand. Currently, they serve around 1,400 households each month and anticipate a 15% increase soon. Thanks to community support, they feel ready to meet this challenge head-on.
“It’s been really hectic,” says Rachael Condley, the center’s executive director. “These decisions affect real lives. We exist to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.”
The community has already stepped up. Their recent food drive, Harvest II, collected over 6,500 pounds of food and hygiene items. Volunteers have even transformed old T-shirts into emergency bags, making grocery pickups easier for families in need. Condley highlights how local churches have joined forces to restock their shelves.
During our conversation, Condley emphasized a sense of gratitude. “It’s like a community hug,” she said. “We have the Oklahoma Standard here. We take care of one another.” She feels uplifted knowing that neighbors genuinely care about each other, even amid tough times.
As food insecurity remains a pressing issue, receiving help is straightforward. Anyone in Stillwater can visit Our Daily Bread on the following days:
- Monday: 1 PM – 3:30 PM
- Tuesday: 3 PM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM – 1:30 PM
- 4th Thursday of each month: 5 PM – 6:30 PM
- 3rd Saturday of each month: 9 AM – 11:30 AM
For more resources, the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank lists additional food pantries across the state.
The increasing demand for food services reflects a broader trend. According to recent statistics from the USDA, food insecurity rates rose significantly during the pandemic, with many families relying on food assistance programs. As SNAP cuts loom, community resources like Our Daily Bread will be crucial.
In these challenging times, local efforts inspire hope and highlight the power of community support. As Condley puts it, “We live in a great community, and I’m so thankful that people are willing to help their neighbors.”
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Stillwater, SNAP, Oklahoma Regional Food Bank
