14th Annual ‘Stock the Station’ Food Drive Kicks Off Nov. 18

14th Annual 'Stock the Station' Food Drive Kicks Off Nov. 18

11/18/2024

The City of Tulsa is launching its 14th Annual Stock the Station Food Drive on Monday, November 18, to support our neighbors in need during this holiday season.

From November 18 to December 18, the City invites residents to drop off non-perishable food items at any Tulsa Fire or Police station (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) and at the City of Tulsa Municipal Court (8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Your generous donations will be crucial in stocking The Market at Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma, a food pantry where families can choose foods they enjoy.

This year, The Market has seen a 20% increase in households seeking assistance, highlighting the growing need in our community. So far, over 3.1 million pounds of food, including 1.1 million pounds of fresh produce, have been provided to families facing food insecurity. Every contribution can make a real difference in someone's life.

"During this season of giving, I hope our community will remember our neighbors who may be struggling to put food on the table. Every canned good, every boxed meal - every single gesture of kindness counts," Mayor G.T. Bynum said. "Let's come together as Tulsans to ensure no family goes hungry this holiday season."

The city is collecting various items, such as canned meats, canned fruits, boxed meals, and packaged dry goods, including soup, macaroni and cheese, baby cereal and formula, peanut butter, jelly, canned or dried beans and peas, 100% fruit juice (canned, plastic, or boxed), pasta, rice, and cereal.

"We thank Mayor Bynum and the City of Tulsa for their leadership and support in our mission," said Deacon Kevin Sartorius, CEO of Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma. "As the largest provider of food to individuals in need in Oklahoma, Catholic Charities helps anyone who comes to our door hungry. We work with the community to resource and provide nutritious food at The Market at Catholic Charities on North Harvard and across Eastern Oklahoma. Every donation gives help and hope at a time when Eastern Oklahoma children lead the nation in food insecurity."

Catholic Charities cannot accept homemade, home-canned, previously opened, or unlabeled food. All products should be in their original packaging. Other items that will not be accepted include perishable foods, alcohol, medicine, sodas, rusty and dented cans, or outdated products.

If you cannot make it in person, donations will also be accepted online at https://www.cceok.org/stockthestation. Thank you for your kindness and support in helping us nourish our community this holiday season.