In the wake of devastating tornadoes earlier this year, BBF Global Relief provided grants to the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. These grants helped provide meals, essential food items, and other supplies to communities affected by the storms.

Supporting Eastern Oklahoma’s Emergency Preparedness

The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma used BBF’s grant for its disaster response program, building an inventory of ready-to-use meal boxes designed for emergency distribution. These boxes, filled with shelf-stable, nutritious items, provide immediate sustenance to families displaced by disasters.

This year, the Food Bank activated its disaster relief team three times, thanks to a new partnership with the American Red Cross. This collaboration has enabled a quicker, more effective response to emergencies.

 “In every box packed,  every meal cooked, and every hand extended, there will be a shared belief – that by working together, we can rebuild a stronger, more resilient community.”

– Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma

The grant also supported the Food Bank’s Culinary team, which prepares hot, ready-to-eat meals for those without access to kitchens during disasters. These efforts ensured that individuals affected by tornadoes not only received food but also found a sense of comfort and hope during a challenging time​.

Northwest Arkansas Food Bank’s Immediate Relief

The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank faced immense challenges following the tornadoes that struck Northwest Arkansas in May, including damage to its Feed Rogers client-choice pantry in downtown Rogers. With BBF’s grant, the Food Bank ramped up its disaster relief operations, delivering critical food aid across Benton, Carroll, and Madison counties.

Between May 27 and November 30, the grant helped:

• Serve 21,274 individuals across affected regions
• Conduct 60 mobile pantry distributions
• Support 7,228 households
• Distribute 245,177 pounds of disaster relief products

“The generosity of partners like Brother’s Brother Foundation allowed us to meet this urgent need, ensuring that families had access to the resources they needed to begin rebuilding their lives. Together, we proved that our community is stronger when we come together in times of crisis.”

– Northwest Arkansas Food Bank

The funds ensured that no family went hungry during the recovery period. On November 6th, Feed Rogers was able to reopen it’s doors.