United Way of SW Oklahoma Hosting Food Drive For Families Without Food Stamps

As the weekend draws closer, a harsh reality is unfolding for over 686,000 people in Oklahoma, including both children and adults.

Oklahoma is one of the most affected states by the government shutdown. Approximately 17% of the families and individuals who live here rely on SNAP benefits to put groceries in their fridges each month.

While many people are anxious due to the SNAP suspension, organizations like the United Way of Southwest Oklahoma step up and make a difference.

United Way is hosting a food drive on Saturday, November 1.

The volunteers from United Way will be hosting a food drive this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, collecting food that will be donated to families not receiving food stamps in November.

Volunteers will be posted outside Walmart and Homeland locations in Lawton, taking donations from shoppers. They're requesting non-perishable food items, specifically:

• canned meats
• soups
• vegetables
• fruits
• peanut butter
• jelly
• rice
• pasta
• cereal

If you aren't able to donate these items on November 1 at the food drive, that's alright. United Way has also partnered with several other local businesses to collect food until November 7.

If you want to donate after the food drive, you can drop off food items at the Fort Sill Credit Union, Lawton City Nation Bank & Trust, and Liberty National Bank locations. Of course, you can always drop off items at the United Way of Southwest Oklahoma office at 1116 SW A Avenue in Lawton.

READ MORE: Easy Ways To Help Families Without SNAP Benefits in Lawton

The President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Oklahoma (UWSWOK) said that “our community has always shown incredible compassion and generosity.” No doubt, this is the time to live up to those words and help those who need it most. 

What Is The United Way of Southwest Oklahoma?

United Way is a local non-profit organization that strives to provide resources to those in need in the Lawton and southwest Oklahoma communities. "We bring people together to make sure everyone has access to basic health care, stable housing, quality education, and meaningful work," per their website.

They offer programs and resources for nearly every situation: financial stability, meeting basic needs, and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. For more information about their programs, visit their website here.