In a significant collaboration, The Sooner Nation Collective, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, and the Pioneer Library System Foundation are joining forces from 11 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, April 27, to tackle food insecurity among Oklahoma children through a dynamic educational event led by student-athletes from the University of Oklahoma.
“Anytime we can share what facing hunger looks like and how others can help is a win,” Stacy Dykstra, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, said. “Working with the Pioneer Library System and the student-athletes through The Sooner Nation Collective is a great example of working together to make a difference.”
OU student-athletes will host reading sessions of “Lulu and the Hunger Monster,” an award-winning book addressing hunger, at six Pioneer Library System locations. This event, part of a comprehensive effort to promote awareness of food insecurity, will feature 15 student-athletes from OU’s Women’s Basketball, Golf, Football, and Volleyball teams.
The readings intended for children ages 5-9 aim to educate children on the challenges of hunger and the importance of listening and helping others. Through readings of “Lulu and the Hunger Monster,” OU athletes will help bring awareness in an engaging way that children can comprehend.
“It is our hope that children will connect to a story about someone they recognize and can relate to,” Dykstra said. “Hopefully, they will learn more about empathy and how they can help a classmate experiencing food insecurity.”
Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of hunger in the nation and one of the lowest food security rates among children. Nearly 1 in 6 Oklahoma children qualify for free or reduced-cost school meal plans. Through the partnership and reading sessions, Dykstra intends to spread greater awareness of food insecurity in the community.
“Too many of our Oklahoma neighbors experience food insecurity,” Dykstra said. “Helping others realize what it means and how it looks to experience food insecurity is a step toward ending hunger in our state.”
This collaborative effort aims to highlight food insecurity and mobilize community action by orchestrating simultaneous reading sessions across various Pioneer Library System locations.
“This partnership presents a tremendous opportunity to address food insecurity through the influential power of reading and sports,” Will Merrick, Development Officer, Pioneer Library System Foundation, said. “It’s a powerful way to engage with young Oklahomans, who look up to OU’s student-athletes as heroes.”
Children and families are encouraged to attend reading sessions of “Lulu and the Hunger Monster” at one of the participating library locations.
Participating Library Locations:
- Norman Public Library East, 3051 E. Alameda St., Norman, OK 73071
- Norman Public Library West, 300 Norman Center Ct., Norman, OK 73072
- Library Lab, 121 S. Santa Fe, Suite 119, Norman, OK 73069
- Southwest Oklahoma City Public Library, 2201 SW 134th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73170
- Moore Public Library, 225 S Howard Ave, Moore, OK 73160
- Purcell Public Library, 919 N. 9th Ave, Purcell, OK 73080
“We believe this will be a win for everyone involved — the athletes, the children, and the community at large,” said Merrick. “Bringing these student-athletes together with young children for a cause educates and inspires action.”
For more information about the events, visit the PLS events calendar.
