Food Bank Of Eastern Oklahoma Helps Thousands Affected By Storm, Power Outages

The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma is giving away food to help people whose groceries spoiled when they lost power.

The line was clear out to the intersection, but it is moving quickly, which is a great thing because the Food Bank plans to help more than 5,000 people.

When tragedy strikes, Oklahomans always help each other.

Thousands of people across the area remain without power, and without it, refrigerated and frozen foods are spoiling.

The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma said its Emergency Food Distribution is here to help by giving away food.

"This is a particular situation in which we felt like we needed to do something extra," CEO Calvin Moore said. "Today, we are serving burgers fresh off the grill for families, and we are also giving emergency food boxes to families who come through the line."

Gazi Karim said he is supporting his family, who live in Bangladesh.

He said not only did the recent storm affect his living and eating situations here, but he is also trying to find work.

"It's a lot. It's actually a lot cause believe it or not, I actually came from New York in February, and I came under a program but unfortunately I’m looking for jobs. I’m not finding something and right now this will be a great big help for me," Karim said.

He said seeing the community organize to help each other is the reason he moved to Oklahoma in the first place.

"People actually realize, 'okay there's a person in front of you.' You have to have that attitude towards people and everything. Be kind and be respectful of people," Karim said.

"It's great that we get to serve, but it's a real blessing to be able to serve folks who are in need," Moore said.

The event runs until all food is given out, but the Food Bank is already planning another event.