Statement by Celia Cole, CEO of the Texas Food Bank Network (TFBN) on the Oklahoma tornado disaster

“The Texas Food Bank Network (TFBN) is saddened by news of tornado victims in our region, this time in our sister state of Oklahoma. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and those who lost their homes in this disaster.

“We are in direct communication with Oklahoma food banks and other emergency response organizations as they work to identify local needs. Our member food banks stand ready to deploy our resources as soon as our neighbors’ needs are made clear.

“Local organizations have asked us to relay their need for cash donations, rather than food, water or other supplies at this time. Although well-intentioned, unsolicited donations that are not needed can take time and energy to coordinate and sort. Therefore, we urge Texans who wish to support their efforts to instead donate money to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma on their web site www.regionalfoodbank.org , or by texting FOOD to 32333 to give $10 to relief efforts.”

The Texas Food Bank Network provides a unified voice among food banks in support of their common mission to end hunger in Texas. Learn more at TFBN.org.