Food Bank Backpack Program Serves Hungry Owasso Kids

Folks in Owasso pride themselves on their community spirit, and that's evident in the way they reach out to help feed hungry kids. This year, they're teaming up with the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and helping out more kids than ever.

Owasso is one of the fastest growing cities in Oklahoma - known for its enterprise and pride in character. Not the kind of place you associate with hungry children.

But Brenda Reed knows better. She's coordinated her own backpack program at Owasso's 7th Grade Center for the past four years and has seen the struggles first hand.

"We have a third of our children on free and reduced," she said. "There are kids that are sick or parents that are sick. We have homeless children. We have children living in shelters."

Learn More About Food for Kids and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma

But this year, Brenda is able to help more than just 7th graders. Owasso's backpack program now goes all the way through high school, thanks to the partnership with the food bank.

Add in the local food drives and contributions.

"We have some really generous businesses in Owasso," said Brenda Reed, coordinator of Owasso's backpack program.

And Brenda is able to give out even more food. Two bags for 9th through 12th graders and any middle schooler who needs it.

Brenda says when it comes to hunger, older kids are just as vulnerable as the little ones.

"If they were embarrassed, or if they didn't want it or need it, they certainly wouldn't come here for two packages of food," she said.

Owasso is not alone in serving more children this year. The Food Bank says backpack distribution is up 50 percent in Tulsa County compared to the same time last year.

Executive Director Eileen Bradshaw says so far, they're keeping up with demand.

"The help that you all give us and that your viewers give us is really vital. It passes very quickly from their hands to the hands of a child in need in the form of a backpack," she said.

A bag of food doesn't solve every problem. But Brenda Reed has no doubt, it makes a difference.

"This is just something tangible that can maybe lift a kid up," Reed said.

News On 6 is once again helping raise money for the backpack program at the Tulsa State Fair. Stop by and put your dollars on the anchor you most want to see kiss a pig.

If you can't make it to the fair, you can donate to the Northeastern Oklahoma Community Food Bank and learn more here.