Celebrating 40 Years of Service: Lawton Food Bank Reopens with Exciting Renovations!

LAWTON, Okla. — The Lawton Food Bank just celebrated the opening of its newly renovated facility. This is a big deal since recent flooding had forced it to shut down temporarily.

A water heater burst and caused significant damage, but Executive Director Alex MinterMcCann saw it as a chance to make improvements. “We transformed this space to give our clients dignity and hope,” MinterMcCann said. “We completed floor-to-ceiling repairs to make it welcoming.”

This ceremony also marked the Food Bank’s 40th anniversary of serving the Lawton community. Co-founders Marilyn and Carter Crane started this vital resource in 1985. As Board President Caroline Fox noted, the need for these services continues to grow. “Last year, we distributed over 1.3 million pounds of food. The demand in our community is huge,” Fox explained. “Our first 40 years were about steady growth, and we hope to expand further with more volunteers, donors, and sponsors.”

With the new pantry and updated warehouse, the Food Bank can offer not just food but also other essential items like diapers, formula, and heart-healthy options, especially for seniors. “We want to meet people where they are,” MinterMcCann emphasized. “Access to hygiene supplies is also crucial for helping them succeed.”

In recent years, more households are facing food insecurity, with recent studies showing that nearly 1 in 8 Americans struggle to afford enough food. This reality makes the services at the Lawton Food Bank even more important.

Open Monday through Thursday, the Lawton Food Bank stands as a safe haven for anyone in need, ready to support those who reach out.

For more on food assistance programs across the country, you can visit Feeding America.

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