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February 8, 2010

Food bank seeks donations

It’s easy to “pay it forward” to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma this tax season.  All tax filers have to do is check the Schedule 511-G box on line 11 to donate a portion of their Oklahoma state tax refund to fight hunger.

 “Over half a million Oklahomans struggle with hunger every day,” said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank.  “In Grady County alone, 13.64 percent of residents are living in poverty, including 17.39 percent of children.  No child should ever go to bed hungry.”

 Oklahoma is one of the hungriest states in the nation – ranking sixth in food insecurity.  During fiscal year 2009, the Regional Food Bank distributed more than 28.5 million pounds of food and products to hungry Oklahomans in 53 central and western counties. In Grady County alone, the Regional Food Bank provided over 440,684 pounds of food to Grady County residents, which provided over 344,285 of meals.  Every dollar donated will provide seven meals to hungry Oklahomans in need. 

 By checking the box for “Oklahoma Food Banks” on Schedule 511- G, a portion of your tax return can provide hope, in the form of food, to more families, seniors and children throughout Oklahoma.  

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is a private, 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that acts as a link through which the food industry and community may donate food and other goods. The products are then distributed to nearly 700 schools and charitable feeding programs in 53 central and western Oklahoma counties. In the last fiscal year, the Food Bank distributed 28.5 million pounds of food and product to help the charitable community effectively feed people in need. Since its inception in 1980, the Food Bank has distributed more than 321 million pounds of food to feed Oklahoma’s hungry.

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