Oklahomans Hold Hunger Summit

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Leaders from the political, religious and non-profit communities discuss hunger and poverty at ``A Place at the Table'' Hunger Summit. <br/><br/>Saturday's meeting drew

Sunday, March 11th 2007, 1:12 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Leaders from the political, religious and non-profit communities discuss hunger and poverty at ``A Place at the Table'' Hunger Summit.

Saturday's meeting drew about 165 people to First Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.

Among those attending were Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins, University of Oklahoma professor emeritus Tom Boyd and Howard Hendrick, director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Askins and Bread for the World vice president Jim McDonald told the audience that Christians should voice their concerns to elected officials to help shape public policy about poverty and hunger.

McDonald says Jesus Christ didn't just feed people, he overturned religious laws to heal and feed them.

According to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, 76 percent of its clients worry about money for food and skip meals to stretch food.

The organization says 44 percent are experiencing hunger and 34 percent of all clients are under 18 years old.