LAWTON - After seeing many hungry faces across Southwest Oklahoma in the early 1980s, Carter and Marilyn Crane felt the need to help those who face food insecurity. By teaming up with friends, area churches, businesses and organizations, Lawton Food Bank opened in August 1985. Now more than three decades later, the Cranes’ initiative continues to stave off hunger for hundreds of southwest Oklahoma families each week.
Executive Director Jeri Mosiman has been with the organization for the past 11 years. She knows that a large percentage of food recipients are elderly or disabled and are paid at the beginning of each month. Lawton Food Bank staff and volunteers always prepare to see more patrons at month’s end. Summertime and holidays also bring more families to the food bank.“Whenever school’s out, we see more families in need,” noted Mosiman.
In 2018, Lawton Food Bank gave out more than 750,000 pounds of food to southwest Oklahoma families. This year, for the week of June 24-29, the food bank was able to provide meals for 398 families. With about three members per household, it is estimated that 1,200 meals came from Lawton Food Bank for that week alone. Since many families have school-age children, easily prepared foods such as cereal, canned meats, peanut butter, jelly, and bread are always in demand.
As part of the Supplemental Community Food Program, 192 qualifying seniors rely on the food bank to cover food shortages. Currently, 150 more seniors are on the CSFP waiting list. Lawton Food Bank also supplies food for Delta Nutrition to distribute food to several local homebound seniors.
CHOICES
By setting the food bank up like a small grocery store, keeping stock rotated, and letting recipients choose what foods their family will eat, the food bank has cut out a lot of food waste. Shelves of canned goods and grocery items are valued by points instead of dollar amounts.
The facility also has a walk-in cooler, freezer and small produce section to give recipients a better selection of food items available. There is also a table set up for regularly needed personal hygiene items. Other popular items include crossword puzzles and word search books, games and books for adults and children alike. Plastic shopping bags are also needed.
NONPROFIT
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Lawton Food Bank has partnered with Regional Food Bank, United Way of Southwest Oklahoma and others to help feed low-income families in the area. The food bank does not depend on state or city funding, but relies on continued support from area grocers, churches, civic groups and individuals throughout the community.
While Lawton Food Bank appreciates all food donations, Mosiman states that through partnerships, they have been able to stretch donation dollars. “For every dollar donated, we can turn it into four meals for a family in need,” she said. Donations may be made in person at 1819 SW Sheridan Road; by mail at Lawton Food Bank, PO Box 3812, Lawton, OK 73502; or online at www.lawtonfoodbank.org.
Lawton Food Bank is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday.
The food bank does not depend on state or city funding, but relies on continued support from area grocers, churches, civic groups and individuals throughout the community.