March 21, 2022 – The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma has implemented a living wage policy for its employees. Effective Jan.1, no permanent Regional Food Bank employee earns less than $18.47 per hour.

This increase in the base pay for all employees is the result of months of consultation, collaboration and research, taking into consideration many factors including the organization’s region and the existing generous benefit package. Providing a living wage means offering an income that allows employees to afford basic needs like shelter, food and other necessities.

“Underemployment, not making enough money to make ends meet, is an underlying cause of hunger and poverty. Our work to prevent hunger begins within our own organization,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. “Our employees are our greatest resources and we believe by raising our pay scale to begin with a living wage honors our staff by ensuring they can adequately provide for themselves and their families.”

In addition to raising the base salary, the Regional Food Bank is working with a local human capital consultant to review current salary ranges and develop transparent and equitable pay ranges for each position in the organization, measured against available market data. Phase one of this review has been implemented, with all phases to be completed by mid-April.

The combination of implementing a living wage and establishing a transparent pay scale are two key changes to ensure an equitable work environment at the Regional Food Bank. An additional step was implemented earlier this fiscal year when the organization adopted the practice of posting salary ranges with every job listing.

For one Regional Food Bank employee, the living wage policy means her family can worry less about having enough money to make ends meet each month.

“The living wage adjustment has significantly impacted my family,” said Westlee, who joined the Regional Food Bank more than three years ago. “This change will keep employees like myself from needing food assistance and keep us focused on Oklahomans who do need it.”

One of the goals of implementing a living wage policy at the Regional Food Bank is to create a more equitable work environment for current and future employees.

“We hope our actions will encourage other employers to consider adopting similar policies,” Dykstra said. “As a nonprofit, we take the responsibility of stewarding every donated dollar very seriously and know that our partners trust us to ensure we maximize their investment. Ensuring our employees can meet their basic needs puts us one step closer to ending hunger and poverty in Oklahoma.”