The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma sends this information as posted below:
(OKLAHOMA CITY) – Oct. 16, 2024 – The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma raised more than $1 million to fight childhood hunger in central and western Oklahoma during its Food for Kids Match. The match was made possible thanks generous donations from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, Chesapeake Energy, Mark and Beth Brewer, Marathon Oil, Dolese Bros. Corp., Energy Transfer, David Gorham and David and Lezlie Hudiburg. For the third year, KOCO 5 News joined as the official television sponsor of the Food for Kids Match.
“We are so thankful for our match sponsors for helping the Regional Food Bank provide nutritious meals to Oklahoma’s next generation,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. “This is more than just nutrition, it’s a step toward a brighter future for Oklahoma children.”
The Food for Kids Match Sponsors, like the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, helped to match every donation made to the Food for Kids Programs between August and September, up to $315,000.
“On behalf of the Masonic Fraternity and the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, we offer our sincere thanks to all those who have supported this year’s Food for Kids Match,” said John Logan, the executive director of the Masonic Charity Foundation. “Through the efforts of the donors, sponsors and KOCO, we have made it possible for the Regional Food Bank to continue making a difference in the lives of our youth.”
Overall, the Food for Kids Match raised $1,036,529. The Regional Food Bank’s Food for Kids Programs are the Backpack Program, the School Pantry Program, Kids Cafés and the Summer Feeding Program. Last school year, the Food for Kids Programs served more than 1.2 million children in central and western Oklahoma. The programs are the most expensive programs offered through the Regional Food Bank.
As the official television sponsor of the Food for Kids Match, KOCO featured stories highlighting the impact of the Food for Kids Programs and promoted the match during newscasts.
“Our partnership with the Regional Food Bank is a central component of our overall work to serve our community. As we celebrate 70 years of service to Oklahoma our work to help families in need is immensely important and gratifying for all our team,” said Brent Hensley, president and general manager of KOCO. “We are from Oklahoma and I feel it is our duty to help the people of our community when and where we can. Working with the Regional Food Bank is a delight and has immediate impact”.
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.
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