CLAREMORE, Okla. — When devastating tornadoes struck over the weekend, the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma had no volunteers scheduled due to the holiday.
However, the staff there quickly stepped in and met the needs.
FOX23 spoke with the food bank to see how they continue to serve more than 2,000 meals a day to those affected by the storm.
“It’s comfort food, it’s something people can relate to,” said Jeff Marlow, CEO of the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.
Grilled chicken, meatloaf, roasted potatoes and glazed carrots are just some of the hearty, hot meals the food bank has sent to Claremore, Pryor and Colcord.
They’ve been serving more than 2,000 meals a day since Sunday, and it’s been a busy month for them as they’ve also responded to other tornadoes across the state.
“With the tornado in Sulphur, with the damage that was done to this area here in Barnsdall, Claremore and Pryor, we will probably have to dispose of close to 25,000 meals that we shipped out of our facility,” Marlow said.
Volunteers load up the food each day, and the Red Cross helps with transportation and delivery.
The meals will be provided to local residents and emergency responders working on the ground.
Marlowe hopes each meal served sends a strong message.
“I’m very sorry and sympathetic to those affected by this storm, but I’m also very grateful to all Oklahomans, emergency responders and volunteers who came together,” Marlow said.
The food bank plans to continue this work for as long as needed.
Marlow said Oklahoma’s response has been amazing and he’s grateful to have been a part of it.
“The people are so appreciative, so gracious, so grateful for the food we’re providing and that we’re there,” Marlow said. “Oklahoma is great and the people of Oklahoma are great.”
The food bank said it is always in need of volunteers.
If you would like to sign up to volunteer or make a donation, click here
