The Weatherford Food and Resource Center celebrated its fifth birthday Tuesday with a new name – Connections Food and Resource Center.
Director Lori Flansburg said the name change came about because it needed to be more inclusive of the area served. She said the name made some clients think it only served the Weatherford area.
The name “Connections” was chosen by a 12-member committee of volunteers and board members, led by Dr. Geo Kelly of SWOSU, who spent months researching mission statements and names used by other food and resource centers.
Flansburg said “Connections” was the best fit for the center’s mission and purpose – connecting people to food, resources and hope.
The announcement of the new name kicked off the dive-thru parade, which served as a fundraiser and food drive. This year, Flansburg said the goal was $5,000 and 5,000 pounds of food.
Volunteers collected $5,118 and 1,134 pounds of food throughout the evening. This will provide 21,417 meals for local families.
The Connections Food and Resource Center currently serves 15 Zip codes in Western Oklahoma and serves an average of 1,400 clients a month.
The center first opened September 8, 2016, and has distributed 1,617,144 pounds of food to those in need.
For donation or volunteer information, visit www.weatherfordfrc.org or call (580) 774-5377.