North Tulsa – The Potter Project, an independent nonprofit that provides food assistance to families, seniors, veterans and anyone facing food insecurity, is seeing a sharp increase in demand. Dr. Angelia Guynn, who coordinates funding for the pantry, reports that the organization now serves roughly 132 families each month.

Rising insecurity in the community

“Three out of eight lack food security in North Tulsa,” Guynn said. “Economic changes and rising food and gas prices mean many people simply don’t have enough to feed their families.”

Many households are forced to make painful choices between paying rent or utilities and buying groceries. The pantry typically sees between five and seven families each day it is open, and volunteers often help transport heavy boxes for those who walk to the site.

Personal stories illustrate the need

Vinnie Jackson, a retired resident on a fixed income, explained how the pantry fills a critical gap. “You just can’t meet all the bills and have groceries at the same time,” he said. “It’s a great place that helps fill in for those kinds of things.” He added that rising utility bills and everyday expenses are making it harder for many in the community to make ends meet.

When supplies run low, the Potter Project reaches out to other nonprofits to connect families with additional assistance, ensuring that no one is turned away.

Volunteer call and upcoming holiday demand

As Thanksgiving and the holiday season approach, Guynn warned that the pantry will need more food, especially healthy options for children and older adults. “Milk, cheese, bread and water are among the most‑needed items,” she said, urging individuals, churches and local businesses to volunteer or donate.

“It’s a community. We’re all one family,” Guynn added, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that keeps the pantry operating.

How to help

The Potter Project is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 9 a.m. to noon. Those in need are encouraged to stop by, and community members are invited to contact the pantry about volunteer opportunities or donations.

Jackson summed up the appeal: “If you have the ability to help the pantries out to donate in any way you can, that they’ll continue to do that. There are people out there that don’t have the ability to do so.”

Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.