Five years ago, it cost the Kingfi sher County Food Bank between $1,500 and $2,000 a month to purchase groceries to help feed those in need in this area.

In 2020, that number jumped to about $2,500 to $3,000.

Now? “I purchase the food once a month and it costs between $4,000 and $5,000,” said Danica Kramer, who runs the food bank out of the Kingfisher Church of the Nazarene.

“Inflation has really made it a lot more expensive,” said Kramer in speaking with the Kingfisher Lions Club last Thursday.

The food bank depends solely on donations, whether in the form of food or money.

“Whatever it is, it helps,” Kramer said, noting the food bank receives no federal or state funding. The food bank relies solely on volunteer help as well. Kramer said there are about 15 people who volunteer throughout the month in various forms.

She said there are about 70 to 100 boxes per month distributed to qualifying families in need.

Most are from Kingfisher, but Kramer said there are also families served in Okarche, Hennessey, Do- ver and Cashion.

The boxes of food are designed to supplementally help feed a family of four for a month.

They can include non-perishable meats, vegetables, fruit, beans, soups, broths, spaghetti sauce and noodles, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, potatoes, cereal, oatmeal, juice, crackers, rice, dry beans and more.

Kramer said one donation comes in the form of purchasing bread from My Brother’s Keeper each month to be distributed as well.

“So that’s helping out two groups,” she said.

Kramer makes an order monthly with United Supermarket in Kingfisher.

“They really work with me, which helps us out,” said Kramer, who noted volunteers help her pick up the order each month and unload it.

The food bank has three freezers for some products (she does purchase and periodically receives donations of multiple proteins such as beef, chicken and pork).

It recently received a grant to purchase a refrigerator, which she said could allow her to provide more perishables such as fresh vegetables, eggs, milk and butter “if the money allows for it.”

She receives the actual boxes from local cafes in Kingfisher.

Most families pick up the boxes from the church each month, but Kramer said she delivers to about five families as well.

Though families must apply for and qualify for service through the food bank, Kramer said there can be some exceptions.

“Sometimes something severe has happened in a person’s life that causes some drastic changes and maybe they need a little helping hand,” she said.

Kramer was introduced by Lions Club member Randall Newton.

After her presentation, the Lions Club members voted to donate $200 to the food bank.