An unfortunate fact that many don’t realize about Oklahoma is that the state is ranked the 5th hungriest state in the nation. According to the Regional Food Bank, the majority of the people who they serve are hungry children, seniors living on limited incomes, and hardworking families struggling just to make ends meet.

In terms of child food insecurity, Oklahoma is ranked as one of the highest states in the nation. This is obviously unfortunate as there are children who are struggling with food insecurity, but it makes it even more so when you consider the critical importance and connection between childhood nutrition and both cognitive and physical development. During childhood is when we as humans truly develop both mentally and physically, and children are being stunted due to a lack of nutrition. This can impact their health, behavior, concentration, and their ability to perform in school.

Seniors on limited incomes are also a huge percentage of the citizens with food insecurity in Oklahoma. Ranked top 10 in the United States, Oklahoma’s population of seniors living with food insecurity is extremely high. Often, this insecurity is grown from the dilemma of not having enough money to pay for their living expenses, medical bills, prescriptions, and food. They are faced with having to make a decision on what they can cut out and their food becomes the only option.

Finally the third, and arguably the most surprising for most people, is hard working families who can’t seem to keep their head above water. Most would think that if a family is working that they should be able to afford to live, but unfortunately this isn’t always the case. Making ends meet isn’t always possible for everyone and the reason that resources for food exist is to help those who can’t feed their families or themselves.

The positive news is that these resources exist. In Ponca City there are a number of resources for those struggling with food insecurity. One of Ponca City’s most well known food resource is New Emergency Resource Agency, or NERA. NERA is a food and resource center that is open to the public and located at 112 S 1st St. They are affiliated with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and their goal is to fight hunger and to feed hope right here in Ponca City. Another resource that is available to the public is the Sean Anderson Blessing Box, located in front of the Team Radio studio at 1st and Grand. This is open 24 hours and contains non-perishable food and personal hygiene items for those in need. People in the community are able to bring donations to this box to help. The Professionals Today group made their own donation to the Sean Anderson Blessing Box on Thu., April 6.

For more information on how you can help, contact NERA at 580-765-5372, or email newemergency@outlook.com. To learn more about the Sean Anderson Blessing Box, call the Team Radio business office at 580-765-2485, or email KPNC@eteamradio.com

Source: Hunger in Oklahoma. Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. (2023, February 13). Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https:// www.regionalfoodbank.org/about-us/ hunger-in-oklahoma/