Local food access has always been a concern for Kingfisher County Health Department wellness coordinator Blair Coughlan.

Working since 2012 as a grantee of the Healthy Living Program, funded by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, Coughlan is charged with developing programs to address pressing public health needs as well as creating healthier places to live, work, learn and play.

Coughlan sought a way to fill in the gaps for families who might need just enough food for a meal or two, especially outside the hours of operation for local food banks.

Borrowing on an idea implemented in other communities, Coughlan approached the Kingfisher Ministerial Alliance to sponsor Blessing Boxes at key locations around town.

The boxes serve as mini pantries available to anyone at any time who might need a few items.

They also serve as convenient drop off locations for anyone who want to donate the boxes is available to anyone, regardless of financial need, and anyone can help keep them replenished.

“It’s intended to be a blessing both ways,” she said.

The boxes are just another example of the public-private partnerships that provide needed services in Kingfisher.

“Local churches and the ministerial alliance stepped up again to invest in a much needed service and I know we can count on them and other generous local residents to keep these boxes stocked.”

Although the two are not affiliated, the boxes have already been mentioned on “Blessings from the Kingfisher Area,” a new Facebook group for residents offering or requesting services for those in need.