Broken Arrow Organizations Happy To Have Resources To Feed People In Need

Two Broken Arrow organizations are taking big steps to meet the increasing food insecurity problems families are facing as the pandemic continues. They said they are just happy they have the resources to meet those needs.

The hallways at the Broken Arrow Senior Center have been quiet since the pandemic hit.

"We had about 400-450 people a day that would be in the center. We had 75 activities a week. It was a bustling place," said Broken Arrow Senior Center President and CEO Sean Simpson.

Everything has gone virtual to keep people safe, but there is one place where seniors can still see some of their friends, even if just for a few minutes from the safety of their cars.

Before the pandemic hit, The Broken Arrow Senior Center fed about 40 seniors each day. Now the need is so great they are feeding nearly 120 people a day.

Each person lines up once a week to get their meals. Some people are picking up enough food to drop off to their friends who aren't able to leave their homes right now.

"It breaks my heart that that many people need food. It makes me happy and gives me hope that this many people are saying, 'We would like the help,' said Simpson. "That is why I love to do, that is why I get up every day is to help others.”

They aren't the only ones who have had to increase services to fit the increasing need for food in the community.

Broken Arrow Neighbors has gone from more than 100 volunteers to five because of COVID restrictions and they are now serving the Coweta community as well as Broken Arrow because so many families need help right now. They offer food and financial assistance to families who are being hit hard by the pandemic.

"We have so much to give, that has been the other blessing,” said Broken Arrow Neighbors Executive Director Megan Quickle. “We are a Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma Partner and our feeding America Partnerships have stepped up to the plate and given us so much fresh food to put directly in our food pantry every single day so it is not just cans off the shelf- it is fresh meat, fresh fruits, fresh salads.”