In light of the challenges facing Oklahomans in need, Chesapeake Energy Corporation has stepped up its involvement in the fight against hunger, issuing the largest matching gift challenge the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma has ever received. Through Jan. 31, Chesapeake will match donations to the Regional Food Bank – up to $1 million.
“At Chesapeake, one of our most valued principles is giving back to the communities where we live and work,” said Chesapeake CEO Aubrey K. McClendon. "We understand that in recent months, the need for food assistance in Oklahoma has increased and that donations of food and funds to the Regional Food Bank have declined. Because Chesapeake is proud of its partnership with the Regional Food Bank, we are honored to offer this significant matching gift of $1 million in support of ongoing hunger relief in Oklahoma. We hope it will challenge others in the community to step up and also give generously to a very worthy cause.”
Donations received between now and Jan. 31, 2012, will have twice the impact on the fight against hunger. Traditionally, the Regional Food Bank provides five meals for every dollar donated, but thanks to this generous gift from Chesapeake, one donated dollar will now provide 10 meals, with the potential of providing 10 million meals to those in need this holiday season.
To make a tax-deductible donation to the Regional Food Bank, call (405) 972-1111 or visit www.regionalfoodbank.org.
Donations can also be mailed to:
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
Chesapeake Match
P.O. Box 270968
Oklahoma City, OK, 73137-0968
“This is one of the most challenging holiday seasons we’ve seen,” said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank. “We are struggling to keep up with increasing need. Our food supply is lower than it’s been in more than five years, due in part to a 40 percent reduction in national donations. That means there’s less food available for our neighbors in need.”
Oklahoma ranks among the top five states in the nation in the number of people who are hungry. In fact, one in seven Oklahomans struggles with hunger every day. “This match from Chesapeake will enable us to reach even more families, seniors and children in need,” Bivens said.
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is a private, 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that acts as a link through which the food industry and community may donate food and other goods. The products are then distributed to nearly 825 schools and charitable feeding programs in 53 central and western Oklahoma counties. In fiscal year 2011, the Food Bank distributed 46.2 million pounds of food and product to help the charitable community effectively feed people in need. Since its inception in 1980, the Food Bank has distributed more than 418 million pounds of food to feed Oklahoma’s hungry. Visit regionalfoodbank.org or scan the QR code below to learn more.
