This month marks one year since Food on the Move began distributing food to local families through a safe drive-through and drop-off (D&D) produce and grocery giveaway, implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. To mark the unprecedented year of special service, Food on the Move is hosting “Tulsa Strong—A City United” on Tuesday, March 23 to recognize the dozens of partners and supporters who have helped the organization provide more than 3.5 million pounds of food and 500,000 individual meals over the last twelve months.
In March 2020, as the world grappled with stay-at-home orders and unemployment began to rise, grocery stores were some of the only facilities deemed essential. Tulsa area residents without nearby grocery stores were left without a lifeline. Affirmed by its founding mission to bring fresh produce to communities without grocery stores, Food on the Move was uniquely positioned to lead the way feeding local families, with a focus primarily on North Tulsa. Since 2014, Food On The Move has utilized many diverse partners to bring an end to food deserts.
The Tulsa Strong event will be hosted in Greenwood, at the OSU-Tulsa campus, where Food on the Move has hosted its Tuesday drive-through events each week since July 2020. After a year of effort to remain steadfast with those who have needed help the most, executive director Kevin Harper was inspired to ensure the message of partnership and collaboration was recognized.
“In what may have been the hardest year for many people, Tulsa came together to provide hope and resources for families in need. The whole idea of recognizing this milestone is to say, ‘thank you,’ and give a little hope that we will come through this time,” said Harper.
The many partnerships include support from foundations and corporations, collaboration with dozens of non-profits, volunteer hours donated by hundreds of individuals, and in-kind support from many small businesses and food industry professionals. Additionally, working closely with local, state and federal programs, including the USDA Farmers to Family Box program, has been vital,
“Food on the Move believes in transformational change through partnership, and we have seen that in action from the individual volunteer or restauranter, to the directors of foundations and government programs. We are honored to have been alongside our neighbors through this difficult time.” said FOTM founder Taylor Hanson.
Organizers are encouraging only those with a need for food to attend the Tulsa Strong event, which still serves as a core grocery giveaway event. Special entertainment and donations from partners will be made available as a part of the safe drive through. During the event, Food on the Move will also highlight and express gratitude for the many local partners. “Tulsa Strong—A City United” will be held Tuesday, March 23, from 3-7pm at OSU-Tulsa, 700 N. Greenwood Ave., in Parking Lot A.