Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma distributes food through the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program
Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma (CCEOK) is distributing free food boxes through the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program. The boxes include fresh produce and dairy products and are available to anyone in need. During the first six weeks of this special initiative, volunteers teamed up at 13 locations across Eastern Oklahoma and distributed more than 2 million pounds of food. Eight locations will continue this program through August.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented need in our community. Included in those affected by this crisis are local farmers, who were throwing away tremendous amounts of product because they had no buyers. The USDA Farmers to Families Food Box
Program was created to pay farmers for their product without waste, as the food is being given out to those in need.
“I’ve never met a more caring group of people,” said Tammy Perry, a CCEOK volunteer in Muskogee, Oklahoma. “This program not only helps those in poverty, but also helps the farmers. I think I am as blessed as those who are getting the food.”
Catholic Charities, powered by hundreds of volunteers, is taking on the challenge of distributing these boxes of produce and dairy to those who need them. To ensure safety during the pandemic, each of the sites features a drive-through distribution with volunteers wearing masks.
“We strive to serve every person with dignity and are pleased to be partnering with so many amazing volunteers and organizations on this important project,” said Deacon Kevin Sartorius, CEO of Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma.
For a list of locations, times and volunteer opportunities, visit cceok.org/f2f.
