Organizers of Owasso, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those in need, say there has been a significant increase in the number of people in need of food help. Since its launch in 2022, the organization has served her over 400 new households.
On Monday, Owasso Community Resources received a truckload of food from a nearby food bank, filling the pantry. By 2 p.m., organizers say they’ve used up most of their donations.
Organizers said they served 74 families on Monday, the busiest day in two years, with a total of 400 people in need of food. Demand started to increase during the pandemic, but it didn’t slow down.
In July, OCR said there was a 79% increase in new families this year. This will add food to around 410 households since its launch in 2022.
To meet demand, they now receive weekday drop-offs from food banks. Previously, these deliveries only happened once a week.
Organizers believe issues such as inflation and rising rents could be the reason for the struggle. They are working to keep pantries sustainable for people in need.
Mendy Burns of Owasso Community Resources said: “We’re trying to do more of that, reaching out to different places we haven’t been to to see if they’re willing to help, too.”
Demand for food shows no signs of abating. Visit the OwassoHelps.org website to see what nonprofits need and learn how to help.