Standing With Our Community
As Oklahomans, it is in our nature to want to help those around us. This is certainly central to the mission of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. Seeing our neighbors hungry and struggling with basic needs has been particularly challenging as we navigate increasing needs due to changing economic conditions, reduced access to some government services, and a range of impacts on federal employees. Many of us want to help, but often we find that doing so feels complicated or overwhelming. Nonprofits help meet individual and family needs day in and day out, but are not able to account for steep, prolonged increases in demand despite their commitment and judicious use of resources. It is a time to lean in and do all we can for our neighbors; every need met matters. It will take all of us coming together, but we can make a difference and work towards a stronger, more resilient future.
What Is Happening?
This year has been particularly challenging for our communities’ nonprofits and those they serve. As we have shared across 2025, they have already experienced increased demand with fewer resources. Many families are impacted by the reduced government services and changes to employment for federal employees. More recently, the disruption of distribution and potential reduction in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has exacerbated the need for hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans, and with such a fluid environment, uncertainty remains.
More than usual, nonprofits and their efforts will be crucial for many people for the foreseeable future. Oklahoma nonprofits need food and monetary donations to weather this storm, and they need us to speak up and engage in efforts for long-term change.
Oklahoma's SNAP Stats
- Nearly 700,000 Oklahomans received SNAP benefits in 2024.
- SNAP contributes $120 million to our state’s economy each month.
- Food banks and pantries provide 1 meal for every 9 meals SNAP provides.
Oklahoma’s 2024 SNAP Participants
- Families with Children 66%
- Families with Members Who are Older Adults or Disabled 33%
- Working Families 42%
*Data courtesy of Hunger Free Oklahoma and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Since the government shutdown announcement, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma has reported a 37% increase in visitors and a significant surge in first-time visitors.
OCCF’s Response
We recognize that while food security is a growing crisis today, it is also a long-standing problem and lasting solutions are needed. As we continue to determine the best response, we are working to structure it to support both those immediate and long-term needs.
How We’re Helping Now
- This month, we are carrying more than $470,000 in grants for 65 organizations for approval by our Trustees to support mobile meals and older adults.
- Distributing an additional $90,000 to support local short- and long-term food security efforts by month’s end.
How We’re Building for the Future
In addition to our anual grants, OCCF is investing $1 million to support vetted, data-driven projects designed to make real, lasting progress for our community, and we invite you to join us.
Get Involved
At OCCF, we have strong relationships with nonprofit partners with complex subject-matter expertise, and we work together to raise awareness and encourage action. With the rapid changes to food security these past few weeks, the best way we can serve everyone is to connect you directly to experts like these:
Hunger Free Oklahoma
Keep up to date on the latest with food insecurity and learn how you can get involved.
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
Locate, connect and support your local food pantry.
OCCF’s Full Resource List
Explore OCCF’s list of trusted community partners providing a safety net for food-insecure households.
We may not be able to meet all the current needs, but collectively, we can make a difference. Give and help where you can, speak up and engage in long-term efforts as our friends, neighbors and fellow Oklahomans need us all.
If you have questions or would like to discuss community needs and making a difference, please call 405.235.5603.
This information is current as of Nov. 6, 2025. We will continue to update where meaningful additions or changes may help. Please check back.