How Lawton's Food Bank Is Responding To Winter Challenges

Well, the winter storm came and left quite a mark on Lawton, Oklahoma over the weekend. Roads are still slick three days after the storm, and most families are still unable to return to work. Many places have remained closed because of the dangerous conditions, including the Lawton Food Bank.

When you're stuck in a house for more than a few days, the food you may have stocked up on tends to dwindle quickly, especially for an entire family. The staff at the Lawton Food Bank are great at recognizing a need, and there's a good chance there will be a great need after the ice and snow start to melt.

For families who need help with food, the Lawton Food Bank has arranged some benefits to help get groceries back in their homes after the conditions get better.

Lawton Food Bank offering extending hours starting Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Unfortunately, things are still not safe enough to open back up today, January 26, and tomorrow, January 27. However, the Lawton Food Bank is willing to offer later hours for families who may need extra time to visit.

They will be open:

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday, January 30, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visitors are able to walk in whenever they're available, or they can schedule an appointment time here.

Most people don't realize it, but the Lawton Food Bank staff is actually quite small and truly relies on the help of volunteers. When they extend hours this way, they need their helpers even more.

What is it like to volunteer with the Lawton Food Bank?

In order to make the process as seemless and easy as they do, the regular workers at the Lawton Food Bank have fairly easy routines. Although the tasks are easy, it becomes overwhelming for only four or five people to handle.

So, if you're willing to donate any time at all, whether it be 30 minutes to a full shift, you'll help take the weight off of several people's shoulders. Tasks are easy things like:

Restocking foods into pallets
Bagging drinks
Unpacking packaged goods
Placing prepared foods into the car for families

If you're interested in volunteering, be sure and sign up ahead of time here.

Lawton Food Bank & Soldiers Special Food Distribution in Lawton, Oklahoma

Photos of the special food distribution at the Lawton Food Bank in Lawton, Oklahoma, held in response to the government shutdown to assist active duty military, families, and employees affected by the shutdown.

Gallery Credit: Dani