LAWTON – After relocating from one facility to another, one area outreach has found a forever home. What’s more, it’s where it all began.
“We started right here in this very building when it was the American Legion,” said Adriene Davis, Hungry Hearts Feeding Ministry founder and executive director. “They allowed us to distribute food downstairs.”
Davis and countless volunteers have worked diligently to stave off food insecurities many guests endure. “It’s not just the homeless,” she explained. “Many times, it’s our elderly or people who are just struggling to make ends meet who need our help. Sometimes we have single grandparents who are raising their grandkids. We try to provide any way we can.”
Over the past few years, the grassroots outreach program has been able to depend on the kindness of several area churches, organizations and individuals to continue its mission.
“After the American Legion closed down the Lawton location, First Christian Church offered to let us use their facilities,” she said. “Then COVID hit.”
When public health concerns surrounding the pandemic stifled fellowship and shelter-in-place protocols were imposed, Davis and the staff looked for safe ways to continue providing food for those in need. Hungry Hearts and The Bent Fork restaurant teamed up to help families battle hunger through the summer. Sack lunches were distributed while the nonprofit’s new facility was undergoing renovations.
While the ministry has garnered quite a following, Davis predicts that rising grocery prices will lead more people to Hungry Hearts. “Before the pandemic, we provided groceries for more than 80 families on a regular basis,” she said. “Now, the price of groceries is becoming extremely high.”
Generally, Hungry Hearts distributes nonperishable items, meat: ground beef, hotdogs, chicken; eggs, vegetables and fruit when available. “We try to provide healthy as possible and we’re always grateful for what we receive,” she said. To offer healthier options, Hungry Hearts has raised hydroponic community gardens, Davis added.
Looking back, while she worked as a former cafeteria manager for Lawton Public Schools, Davis saw those affected by food scarcity and knew she needed to do more. “I saw several families struggling to make ends meet,” she recalled. She became instrumental in launching a districtwide feeding program for students who would take home care packages. After retiring from LPS, she continued her calling and began serving meals at churches throughout the community. “It just expanded from there,” she added.
Affectionately called “Mama A” by many Hungry Hearts guests, Davis’ genuine smile, respect for others and innumerable hugs have helped her family grow. “They’re my family,” she said.
“When we first started feeding, I’d walk up to some and give them a hug. Some will come in and say, ‘I don’t want anything; I just need a hug,’ ‘I just want to talk,’ or ‘Could you pray with me?’”
While she has countless stories to tell about her newfound family members, dealing with logistics, lack of storage and her own health issues prompted Davis to consider shuttering the organization.
Receiving a phone call changed her mind.
An anonymous donor had purchased the former American Legion building and wanted Davis to consider it for Hungry Hearts’ permanent home. After graciously agreeing, renovations by numerous contractors and volunteers began. With new flooring laid, ceiling tiles replaced, and the interior repainted guests can appreciate the work that was done.
The north dining room features hexagonal tables covered with tablecloths and centerpieces to help guests feel right at home. Davis plans to use the southern room to hold seminars, classes as well as a meeting place for those grappling with alcoholism and addiction. The rear entrance is used for grocery pickup and receiving food donations.
“This is a place where guests can come to have peace of mind – a safe place,” she said.
An open house has been scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday, September 17. Along with music and fun activities, several food trucks have signed up to take part of the festivities.
Hungry Hearts Feeding Ministry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located at 601 SW 11th Street Lawton, Oklahoma 73501. Financial contributions may be tax-deductible and may be made by visiting https://hungryheartslawton.com. For more details, or to make an appointment to donate personal hygiene and nonperishable food items, call (580) 704-9224.