For Okmulgee, the local Salvation Army Food Pantry volunteer coordinators Carol Smith and Monica Clark are navigating through challenging times. Despite the pantry’s recent upgrades, including new commercial freezers and refrigerators, a critical food shortage looms large. These improvements, supervised by the Tulsa Area Command, were envisioned to mark a new chapter of enhanced service to the community. However, the reality Smith and Clark confront is one of dwindling supplies and increasing need.

Towards 2023 year’s end, even as the pantry received state-of-the-art equipment, the anticipated influx of food donations did not materialize, largely due to limited volunteer availability and the absence of organized food drives. Historically, contributions from local churches and community organizations have been pivotal in keeping the pantry stocked. Currently, a gap in communication seems to have led to a significant decrease in such donations.

“It’s not that anybody doesn’t want to do it. It’s just that the people don’t know. They don’t know that we’re empty,” Clark said.

“And we’re not connected with the Tulsa Food Bank as yet because we just renovated,” Smith said, adding, “there’s a process you have to go through in order to get in to get that food and we aren’t at that point yet.” “So we’re dependent on the community,” Clark continued, “and that’s what we’ve always done is depend on the community.”

The decline in contributions has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen a general reduction in donations to many charities, even as the demand from those affected by economic downturns continues unabated.

Smith and Clark have been doing their utmost to manage the pantry’s operations, from overseeing its running to assembling food boxes tailored to support families of varying sizes. But the dwindling food reserves have starkly limited their capacity to assist those in need.

It was around November of last year Smith and Clark began noticing the food decline. Thanks to the Okmulgee Service League, the pantry was able to accommodate families for Christmas.

The Okmulgee Salvation Army Food Pantry serves as more than just a collection point for food; it’s a critical support system for the community. The coordinators are committed to ensuring the food boxes they provide are not only nutritious but also conducive to preparing balanced meals, especially for families with children who may not have extensive cooking skills.

“Man cannot live by corn alone,” Smith remarked, calling attention to the rather large influx of canned corn the pantry now has in abundance.

“And you know, people can’t live on cream of mushroom soup.” Clark added.

In light of this pressing crisis, Smith and Clark are appealing to the Okmulgee community for increased support. They urge local volunteers to come forward and for churches and community groups to initiate food drives. Their plea is simple but urgent: the pantry desperately needs to be replenished, and it’s incumbent upon the community to band together to refill the shelves.

Smith and Clark remain hopeful that heightened awareness and community engagement will help address the pantry’s immediate needs. The generosity of the Okmulgee community is crucial, and the coordinators are optimistic that this call to action will inspire a surge in donations and volunteer efforts.

In these difficult times, the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Okmulgee stands as a vital source of hope for many. Through community support, Smith and Clark are confident they can restock the pantry and continue to aid those in need. This is a community-wide call to action, inviting everyone in the area to contribute in whatever way they can, to ensure no one in Okmulgee goes hungry.

Those interested in contributing can donate non-perishable food items, especially meats and vegetables, or make monetary donations, which allow for bulk purchases of essential food items. Additionally, individuals or groups willing to volunteer or organize food drives are encouraged to contact the Salvation Army of Okmulgee, or get in touch with Carol Smith or Monica Clark for more details.