June 26, 2024 – The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma received a $32,000 grant from the Morgan Stanley Foundation to support programs to more effectively reach children facing hunger in central and western Oklahoma.

Grant funds will help the Regional Food Bank to provide essential resources through its Food for Kids Programs. The Food for Kids Programs are the Backpack Program, which provides meals and snacks to elementary school students identified as food insecure before weekends and long breaks, the Kids Café Program, an afterschool program providing hot meals and snacks to elementary school children, the School Pantry Program, pantries located on-site at Oklahoma middle and high schools, and the Summer Feeding Program, which provides free meals and snacks to all children ages 18 and under during the summer break.

“We are deeply grateful for the support from the Morgan Stanley Foundation. This grant truly highlights our shared commitment to fighting childhood hunger in Oklahoma,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. “Together, we’re not just providing meals, we’re nourishing hope and creating a stronger community for generations to come.”

The Regional Food Bank is one of 44 Feeding America® partner food banks receiving funding from the Morgan Stanley Foundation this year, as part of its long-standing commitment to supporting children’s health in communities across the country.

“The Feeding America network of food banks is making a true difference for children and families facing hunger in communities across the United States,” said Joan Steinberg, global head of philanthropy at Morgan Stanley and president of the Morgan Stanley Foundation. “We are proud to support these innovative programs to reach communities that are particularly at risk of food insecurity.”