Did you know that Oklahoma is the fifth hungriest state in the US? Believe it or not, one in six Oklahomans struggles with hunger. Even more alarming, one in four children in the Sooner State battle with hunger everyday.

Ada High is doing its part to combat hunger by introducing “The Cougar Cupboard” provided by the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. More than half of Ada High’s students have free or reduced lunch. The Cougar Cupboard supplies chronically hungry high school students with food to sustain them after school and during holidays.

In order to qualify for Cougar Cupboard supplies, a student must receive a referral from a teacher.  Students may inform faculty of any student they believe may be hungry, and the student can receive a referral that way.

According to www.regionalfoodbank.org, “Last year, in the  program’s pilot year, school pantries served more than 1,500 students in 42 schools.”

So, what can you do? To be a part of the solution to hunger you can do one of three things: Donate $1, which is equivalent to 5 meals.  More than 96 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to hunger relief.

You can also volunteer. ” Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Regional Food Bank.” You can even be an advocate. “It takes more than food to fight hunger.”

To donate contact the Cougar Cupboard coordinator Mrs. Merchant.

To volunteer or to become an advocate, contact the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma at: [email protected] or call: (405)600-3129