Get help
As the federal government shutdown continues and the funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is suspended, more Oklahoma City residents face uncertainty. Although the City of Oklahoma City does not have food pantries or direct financial assistance, we have compiled a list of resources available to those in need.
Get Help
Call 2-1-1
2-1-1 is a 24-hour crisis contact center that connects those in need to important local services and resources, including food assistance. It is free and confidential. Dial 2-1-1 or use their online directory to connect with local resources such as food, shelter, medical, financial support and more.
Locate a food pantry
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma maintains a list of food pantries throughout the metro and state. Visit rfbo.org/get-help to use their online map for the pantry closest to you. Many other local nonprofits also have food pantries. Check their websites or give them a call before arriving.
Free lunch for seniors
A free lunch is served for people aged 60 and older between 11 a.m. and noon, weekdays, at the Pete White Health & Wellness Center, 4021 S. Walker Ave. New attendees will need to complete a form upon arrival, but registration is not required.
Utilities bill pay assistance
Oklahoma City Utilities customers who need bill payment assistance are encouraged to call the Salvation Army at (405) 246-1100 to determine if they qualify for enrollment. The Utilities Department offers other assistance options, including installment payment plans and a reduced trash rate for qualified customers. For more information on the H2O program and other assistance options, please visit okc.gov/utilities.
Transportation to resources
EMBARK is there to help you get to and from these resources. After you locate the address on the RFBO website, simply enter it as your destination at go.embarkok.com to plan your trip and purchase a transit pass. Call us at 405-235-RIDE (7433) if you need additional assistance planning a trip.
Ways to help
Donate food
From the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma to the United Way of Central Oklahoma, dozens of nonprofits and local businesses are hosting food drives to fill pantries. Shelf-stable products, such as dried pasta/rice, canned goods, protein bars and peanut butter, are often a good place to start. Check an organization's website or social media for specific needs and drop-off times.
OKC Animal Welfare pet food pantry
The Oklahoma City Animal Shelter is inviting the community to help by donating to its pet food pantry. Donations can be dropped off at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter, 2811 SE 29th St., Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
The pet food pantry was created to help keep pets with their families and reduce the number of animals entering the shelter. Many families facing financial hardship struggle to provide food or supplies for their pets. Without assistance, some may be forced to make difficult decisions about their pet's care or rehoming options. With a bit of community support, many pets can remain safely in their homes with the people who love them.
The pantry operates almost entirely on donations and often runs low due to high demand. In preparation for potential economic challenges some families may face, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare encourages residents and pet lovers in the area to lend a helping hand and make a lasting impact by contributing to the pantry.
Give money
Whether you're ensuring that children don't go hungry or families can pay their bills during times of furlough, every donation makes a difference in our community.
Nonprofits can often make financial donations go further than food alone. An example locally: For every $1 donated to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, they help provide three meals. According to Feeding America:
"Rather than paying retail prices, our network of food banks works with major manufacturers, retailers, and farmers to secure healthy food. This means that when you donate a dollar, you're able to put more meals on the tables of families than if you donated food you'd purchased at the store.
And food banks use donated funds to help cover the cost of picking up the food from donors and bringing it to their warehouses. With supply chain disruptions and transportation costs rising, cash donations can make a big difference."
Help 2 Others (H2O) program
Customers can register to have their OKC Utilities bill automatically rounded up each month, set a specific donation amount on a recurring basis, or choose a one-time gift at their convenience. Proceeds are put into a fund administered by the Central Oklahoma Area Command of the Salvation Army, which screens individuals for eligibility. All donations are tax-deductible and applied after regular water, wastewater, solid waste and other fees have been added to a customer’s bill. 100 percent of the contributions are used to assist Oklahoma City Utilities customers.
Utilities customer can sign up using their online account at okcutilities.com, the MyOKCUtilities mobile app, or by checking the “Round It Up” box on their paper water bill and adding the round-up amount when they submit their bill for payment by check. For those wishing to sign up by phone, please call (405) 297-2833, and a Customer Service Representative will be happy to assist you.
Key to Home: rehousing expenses
The Key to Home Partnership is a collaborative effort to prevent and end homelessness in Oklahoma City. Service providers are collaborating in a new way, moving people experiencing homelessness directly from encampments into housing. Your monetary donations to the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma will support move-in expenses, such as furniture and deposits, for our neighbors who are sleeping outside.
Donate online at Communities Foundation of Oklahoma (CFO) or make checks payable to CFO with "Key to Home Flex Fund" in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 21210 Oklahoma City, OK 73156. CFO can also accept marketable securities and other complex gifts on behalf of the Key to Home Partnership.
Volunteer
Whether it's packing boxes at a food pantry or cooking hot meals for unsheltered youth, giving your time is equally meaningful to the community. Visit organizations' websites for available volunteer opportunities.