Thursday, November 16, 2023
As the holiday season approaches, an increasing number of people will find themselves facing impossible choices about basic needs and living without essential resources. A recent report from the USDA revealed that one in five children are food insecure. Norman Regional Health System and Feed the Children are partnering to bring No Hunger Holidays to 800 Cleveland County families during the season of giving.
The organizations will hold two events this week – one in Moore and one in Norman – each serving 400 families. Each family has been pre-identified by a local school and will receive a 25-pound box of food; a 10-pound box of daily essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion and personal-care items as well as toys, books, and additional products. These items will help to provide children and families with much-needed food and essentials as well as a brighter holiday season.
“Norman Regional’s mission is to be the leader in health and wellness care for our community and we strive to fulfill this mission inside and outside our hospital doors,” said Richie Splitt, President & CEO of Norman Regional Health System. “Chronic hunger is a major health issue for children and adults. We are partnering with Feed the Children to remove hunger as a barrier to overall health and well-being. Working together we want to ensure a happy, and healthy holiday season for families living in the communities Norman Regional serves.”
Price hikes at the grocery store have made food itself less affordable for lower-income families. Since 2021, food prices have increased by nearly 17 percent according to the USDA, and average rent costs were reported to rise by 8.6% between 2022 and 2023. Along with reduced federal SNAP benefits, these extra pressures put struggling families even closer to the edge. With nearly 17 percent of Norman residents and more than 10 percent in Moore residents living below the poverty line, holidays can be a stressful time for families. It can be especially difficult once school is out for the holidays, leaving children food insecure- without a source for consistent meals.
Feed the Children, a leading nonprofit focused on alleviating childhood hunger is holding its No Hunger Holidays campaign in order to help children and families during the holidays, as well as bring awareness to the important issue of childhood hunger.
“It is only through partnership that we can reach at-risk families during the holiday season,” said Travis Arnold, president and CEO of Feed the Children. “No child should go without, and Feed the Children is thankful for our partnerships that can help ease the burden many families are facing. If you are fortunate enough to experience joy and generosity around your own holiday table, you can make a tremendous difference when you give from your heart.”
Feed the Children and Norman Regional Healthy System have partnered for five years to provide hope and resources to families in Cleveland County. Together, the organizations have served more than 4,000 families.
Visit feedthechildren.org/nohungerholidays to learn more about the No Hunger Holidays campaign and find out how you can participate.