Oklahoma Community Food Bank of E. Oklahoma

Hampton Roads Ventures (HRV), in collaboration with other community development entities, is proud to have participated  in the expansion of the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma (CFBEO), located in Tulsa, OK, by providing $16.35 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) financing. This investment helped finance a $26.6 million expansion of the Food Bank’s facility, which more than doubled its distribution capacity, allowing it to serve 52 million pounds of food annually—equivalent to 45 million meals. The expansion also included the addition of a food preparation kitchen, which will increase prepared meal distribution to 8,000 meals per day.

The expanded facility will have a profound impact on the local community, where 40.4% of residents live in poverty and 1 in 7 people experience food insecurity. With HRV’s support, the CFBEO can now better serve over 350 partner agencies in its 24-county service area, ensuring that families, veterans, and senior citizens in food deserts receive vital nourishment. The project also created 200 construction jobs and 96 permanent jobs, contributing to the local economy and providing much-needed employment in a region deeply impacted by food insecurity.

The food bank’s ability to increase its capacity will have lasting health benefits for the community, addressing not only hunger but also helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. HRV’s investment in this project demonstrates its commitment to supporting organizations that improve the lives of low-income communities by providing essential services and fostering sustainable growth in critical areas like food security and public health.