With the end of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits taking effect on Oct. 31, many Okmulgee County residents are turning to local churches and community organizations for help. Fortunately, numerous food programs, pantries and ministries across the county are ready to provide support through meals, grocery assistance, and emergency food resources.

Below is a complete list of local food resources available in Okmulgee County. Many of these organizations would gladly accept donations of non-perishable food items to help restock.

— Okmulgee

Salvation Army Food Pantry

111 E. 8th Street • Okmulgee Hours: Thursday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Documents Needed: Social Security card, ID and proof of residence.

— The Refuge Food Pantry

1206 W. 5th Street • Okmulgee Contact: 918-756-2442 By Appointment Only.

Documents Needed: ID and proof of residence. — Deep Fork Community Action Food Pantry 223 W. 6th Street • Okmulgee Contact: 918-756-2826 Hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Documents Needed: ID, proof of residence and social security card for each household member.

— First United Methodist Food Pantry

302 S. Seminole Avenue • Okmulgee Contact: 918-756-6083 Hours: Wednesdays – Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Documents Needed: ID and a recent utility bill. — Jubilee Christian Center Manna House

12430 N. 230 Road • Okmulgee Food distribution on the first and third Thursday of each month.

Documents needed: ID. — Henryetta

Joy in Life Ministries

611 E. Trudgeon Street • Henryetta Contact: joyinlife1@yahoo.com Meals served daily Nov. 3-30 Monday – Friday: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday – Sunday: 12-1 p.m. Joy in Life Ministries has pledged to continue serving hot meals daily should SNAP benefits be disrupted, ensuring no one in the community goes hungry.

— Henryetta Church of Christ Food Pantry 413 W. Broadway Street • Henryetta Contact: 918-756-5338 Website: www.henryettachurchofchrist.org Open the second Thursday of each month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Provides groceries and household food staples to local residents.

— Henryetta First Baptist Church

420 W. Trudgeon Street • Henryetta Offers a Local Blessing Box with non-perishable food available 24 hours a day to anyone in need.

— Dewar

Dewar First Baptist Church

507 6th Street • Dewar Contact: 918-652-4282 Nightly meals begin Nov. 1 from 6-7:30 p.m. The first 50 people are guaranteed meals each night. Attendees must be present to receive service.

The church also provides a Local Blessing Box offering free non-perishable food at any time. — Countywide Blessing Boxes

For those needing immediate assistance, Blessing Boxes stocked with non-perishable food are available at Dewar First Baptist Church and Henryetta First Baptist Church.

— Community Support Encouraged

As local organizations prepare to meet growing needs, many are also calling on the community for help. Donations of canned goods, dry foods and other non-perishable items are deeply appreciated and directly support families within Okmulgee County.

From hot meals and pantry staples to weekend programs and open-access Blessing Boxes, Okmulgee County’s churches and ministries continue to demonstrate compassion and unity during uncertain times – ensuring that neighbors look out for one another.

For more information or to donate, contact any of the locations listed above.