Community Outreach

One in every five children in Oklahoma is at risk of going to bed hungry. Self-esteem, school performance and school attendance are all impacted when these at-risk children lack balanced, nutritious meals.

To help combat this critical need, the Made in Oklahoma Coalition, in partnership with Orchids Paper Company of Pryor, introduced MIO Paper Towels in March 2009. Proceeds from the sale of MIO Paper Towels support the Food for Kids Backpack Program.

This program is a school-based, emergency assistance program that provides weekly backpacks full of food to at-risk children. Administered by the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, the Food for Kids Backpack Program currently provides more than 10,000 backpacks of food to school children each week. That need is expected to climb over the next couple years.

Currently, the MIO Paper Towels have generated over $120,000 which will add more than 600 students to the Foods for Kids Backpack Program! Thanks to everyone who bought these paper towels and made this possible!

To learn more about your local food banks, visit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma websites below.