Several Organizations Team Up to Combat Food Insecurity With OU Student Athlete Reading Sessions

The Sooner Collective, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, and the Pioneer Library System Foundation are teaming up to fight food insecurity in Oklahoma.

On Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to noon, 15 University of Oklahoma student-athletes will host reading sessions of "Lulu and the Hunger Monster,” an award-winning book addressing hunger, at six Pioneer Library System locations.

“Anytime we can share what facing hunger looks like and how others can help is a win,” Stacy Dykstra, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, said. “Working with the Pioneer Library System and the student-athletes through The Sooner Nation Collective is a great example of working together to make a difference.”

The readings are intended for children ages 5-9 and aim to educate children on the challenges of hunger and the importance of listening and helping others.

“It is our hope that children will connect to a story about someone they recognize and can relate to,” Dykstra said. “Hopefully, they will learn more about empathy and how they can help a classmate experiencing food insecurity.”

A press release announcing the collaboration said Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of hunger in the nation and one of the lowest food security rates among children. Nearly 1 in 6 Oklahoma children qualify for free or reduced-cost school meal plans.

The collaboration hopes to highlight food insecurity and mobilize community action through the reading sessions.

“This partnership presents a tremendous opportunity to address food insecurity through the influential power of reading and sports,” Will Merrick, Development Officer, Pioneer Library System Foundation, said. “It's a powerful way to engage with young Oklahomans, who look up to OU's student-athletes as heroes.”

Participating Library Locations:

Norman Public Library East, 3051 E. Alameda St., Norman, OK 73071

Norman Public Library West, 300 Norman Center Ct., Norman, OK 73072

Library Lab, 121 S. Santa Fe, Suite 119, Norman, OK 73069

Southwest Oklahoma City Public Library, 2201 SW 134th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73170

Moore Public Library, 225 S Howard Ave, Moore, OK 73160

Purcell Public Library, 919 N. 9th Ave, Purcell, OK 73080