City Participates in Emergency Food Drive to Support Tulsa Families in Need; Food Drop Locations Now Available at Public-Facing City Facilities
Community effort aims to support families impacted by the federal shutdown and suspension of SNAP benefits
The City of Tulsa has announced its participation in an Emergency Food Drive in partnership with the Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW), the Cherokee Nation, and other community partners, to support local families affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown and the temporary suspension of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Across Eastern Oklahoma, food pantries are reporting record demand as many households feel the effects of the federal shutdown. Last year alone, one in six Oklahomans received SNAP assistance. Many others who don’t qualify for federal benefits still rely on food pantries and nonprofits to help cover essential needs such as food, childcare, healthcare, and housing.
As federal programs become uncertain, families continue to face difficult choices, paying for childcare, healthcare, and housing, costs that strain budgets to the breaking point.
Nonprofits across Eastern Oklahoma are working on the front lines to meet this growing way of need, and the Emergency Food Drive will help replenish their resources and ensure they can continue providing vital services.
How to Help
1. Virtual Food Drive
Purchase items directly from the Amazon Wishlist at TAUW.org/Food-Drive. All purchased items will be distributed to TAUW-benefiting partners providing food assistance and basic needs services.
2. Physical Food Donations
Drop off unopened, non-perishable food items at:
- Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder Ave. (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Any Tulsa Fire Station (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
- Tulsa Municipal Court, 600 Civic Center (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Tulsa City Hall, 175 E. 2nd St., (8 a.m. – 5 p.m)
- Tulsa Parks Community Centers (business hours may vary), including:
- Centennial Center at Veterans Park, 1028 E. 6th St.
- Hicks Park Community Center, 3443 S. Mingo Rd.
- Jane A. Malone Center in Chamberlain Park, 4940 N. Frankfort Ave.
- Lacy Park Community Center, 213 N. Madison Pl.
- Owen Park Community Center, 560 N. Maybelle Ave.
- Oxley Nature Center, 6700 Mohawk Blvd.
- Reed Park Community Center, 4233 S. Yukon Ave.
- Waterworks Art Center in Newblock Park, 1710 Charles Page Blvd.
- Whiteside Park Community Center, 4009 S. Pittsburg Ave.
A complete list of drop-off sites can be found at TAUW.org/Food-Drive.
3. Volunteer
Join the effort by volunteering with TAUW partners to collect, sort, and distribute donations. Learn more and sign up at TAUW.org/Food-Drive.
What to Donate
Most needed items include:
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Canned fruits and vegetables
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Canned protein (tuna, chicken, etc.)
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Peanut butter
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Rice
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Pasta
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Soups, baby food, and self-staple milk
Please do not donate homemade, opened, or expired items.
Community Partners
The Emergency Food Drive is made possible through the support of the Cherokee Nation, along with the City of Tulsa, Bank of Oklahoma, Jim Norton Chevrolet, Jim Norton T-Town Chevrolet, Jim Norton Ford, John Zink, AT&T, and numerous local businesses and organizations hosting food collection sites across the region.
Food insecurity won’t disappear overnight – but Tulsa can make an immediate impact. To donate, volunteer, or find a nearby drop-off site, visit tauw.org/food-drive. If you or someone you know needs help, visit 211eok.org for the most comprehensive list of resources in Eastern Oklahoma.
