Pantry Partners

Thanks to a partnership between the CNEP Unit in Oklahoma County and Mercy Bridges, a ministry of the Mercy Health System, families contacting a food pantry in the Oklahoma City and metro area receive help in two ways. They receive food to feed their family in their emergency situation and they are also referred to a NEA in their area who can help them develop the skills they need to stretch their food dollars and become less dependent on food pantries in the future.

Working together as “Pantry Partners,” this team holds quarterly educational sessions for food pantry volunteers from across the metro area to address the concerns and needs of those working to feed the hungry. With attendance ranging from thirty-five to seventy-five participants, the sessions are a great networking opportunity and learning experience for all involved. By learning of each other’s services, volunteers can better assist local families in need.

Before the partnership, it was unknown how many food pantries were operating in the area. Today, a database of Oklahoma City food pantry locations and contact information has been established and has proven to be an invaluable resource for local food pantry volunteers and NEAs.