TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Tulsa sees an increase in food prices each year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices have increased over 4% since last year.
That’s why John 3:16 has announced its Thanksgiving food drive and meal events, so the City of Tulsa can help prepare and spread the word to those in need.
There is a large community of those in need in Tulsa. USDA says that food insecurity in Oklahoma was at nearly 15% in a recent study, which is one of the highest in the nation.
“Thanksgiving is the time of year when we reach many in our community,” says Steven Whitaker, CEO of John 3:16 Mission. “Families are fighting inflation by cutting back on food so they can keep a roof over their heads. And those who are homeless battle every day to stay safe and warm. We depend on the community to help us feed them. We must keep our food pantries full.”
John 3:16 is asking those who are able to help with this cause.
“We are asking everyone to grocery shop for the Mission by adding an extra frozen turkey and holiday meal ingredients to your cart over the next few weeks,” Whitaker said. “We need everyone to dig deep to meet our goal of getting 44 tons of food to give away. Whatever you give goes directly to those in desperate need.”
John 3:16 Mission already serves meals to those in need every day at its downtown location. In addition to those, John 3:16 will serve Thanksgiving dinners throughout the entire week of Thanksgiving.
On Nov. 21, Thanksgiving dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m. and a Chapel service before that at 5:30 p.m. Those dinners will be served every night through Nov. 25.
John 3:16 will also be giving out food boxes to over 5,000 struggling families. The goal for these boxes is to collect 5,000 turkeys. Donated turkeys will also go toward the Thanksgiving meals being served.
“Providing food baskets for our neighbors through the Family and Youth Center helps prevent homelessness,” said Whitaker. “Our outreach is designed to ensure families are getting adequate nutrition when they must make the choice between paying rent and utilities and eating. We are asking everyone who can to join our efforts to put food on the tables of those who find themselves depending on the kindness of strangers during this year’s holiday season. If you have the wherewithal to help, you can make an incredible difference in the lives of others.”
John 3:16 will be taking donations of frozen turkeys and non-perishable food items such as stuffing, instant potatoes, gravy mix, mac and cheese, canned sweet potatoes, canned corn, canned green beans, canned fruit, cranberry sauce, pie filling, or Jell-O at numerous locations starting Saturday, Nov. 4.
Places accepting these donations are: John 3:16 Mission from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun through Nov. 22; Family & Youth Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri through Nov. 22; and Under the Sun Garden Center 91st Street and Sheridan Avenue during business hours through Nov. 22.
Additional food drives will take place at Walmart’s and Reasor’s throughout the Tulsa Metro area. A full list of food drive locations, meal schedules, and ways to donate can be found on the John 3:16 website.