Lawton, OK – The City of Lawton recognized National Hunger Action Day on Sept. 29 with a proclamation presented to the Lawton Food Bank, highlighting food insecurity across the Lawton-Fort Sill community and the local efforts working to address it.
Lawton Food Bank Executive Director Alex McCann said the recognition helps bring attention to hunger in the community and reminds residents that food insecurity affects working families, children, seniors and military families.
“Hunger Action Day is a reminder that no neighbor should have to face hunger alone, and that solving hunger requires all of us,” McCann said.
The recognition came as the food bank reported a significant increase in demand. McCann said the organization is currently serving more than 3,000 additional people each month compared with the same time last year.
From July 2025 through Aug. 1, 2026, the Lawton Food Bank served 63,519 neighbors and distributed more than 2.3 million pounds of food. In 2025, the organization reported serving 52,480 neighbors and distributing 1.6 million pounds of food.
The number of first-time clients also increased by 75% over the past year, rising from 4,879 to 8,582. McCann attributed the increased demand to factors including higher food, fuel and household costs and changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The food bank has expanded its services in response, including a guest-choice grocery model that allows families to select foods that fit their household needs. The organization also provides senior food programs, hygiene products, diapers and wipes, mobile distributions and connections to community resources.
The increased demand has also created challenges involving food purchases, warehouse capacity, refrigeration, transportation, volunteers, staffing and funding.
Looking ahead to 2027, the Lawton Food Bank plans to expand cold-storage capacity, strengthen its mobile programs and grow partnerships with Memorial Health Systems and Lawton Public Schools.
Community members can support the food bank through financial donations, volunteering or cereal donations for its breakfast shelf. McCann said a $50 donation can provide a week’s worth of groceries for a family of four.
