The City of Seminole, in partnership with AARP Oklahoma and the Community Market of Pottawatomie County, this week announced the launch of a county-wide hunger study aimed at understanding and addressing food insecurity among Seminole County residents.

According to a press release, the Seminole County Hunger Study will collect vital information about food access challenges facing residents of all ages. This research will help local organizations develop more effective strategies to combat hunger and improve food distribution systems throughout the county.

“Food insecurity affects people of all backgrounds in our community,” said Dana Miller, Seminole City Council member. “This study will provide us with the data we need to better serve our neighbors and ensure everyone has reliable access to nutritious food.”

How Residents Can Participate Seminole County residents are encouraged to complete the hunger study survey, which asks questions about:

• Access to grocery stores and transportation

• Use of existing food assistance programs

• Additional needs that impact food security Participation is completely voluntary, and all responses will remain confidential.

In the days ahead, Seminole County residents can expect to receive text messages asking to complete the survey on their mobile devices. In the coming weeks, additional residents may receive postcards with more information on how to complete the survey online or phone call opportunities to complete the survey.

Community Impact The collaborative effort between AARP Oklahoma, Community Market of Pottawatomie County, and the City of Seminole represents a significant step toward ending hunger in the region.

Community Market of Pottawatomie County, a large food pantry located in Shawnee, has been serving food-insecure families from Seminole County for over eight years. The increasing need of families from Seminole County resulted in a program by the organization to begin a Mobile Market food distribution that comes to Seminole twice each month.

“The AARP Hunger Study played a vital role in helping us know how to best serve the food insecure in Pottawatomie County. We have been honored to serve Seminole County residents for the last 8 years, and are thrilled AARP is once again partnering with us to learn more about the specific needs in Seminole County,” said Daniel Matthews, Founder and CEO of Community Market of Pottawatomie County.

“This study is the first step in efforts to partner with local leaders to bring a permanent physical presence to Seminole to work together to end hunger in our communities. I am hopeful that many will respond because the more responses we get, the better we know the needs of the community, and are able to more accurately care for our friends and neighbors,” Matthews said.

Through collaboration with Seminole city leaders, community organizations, stakeholders, and current food pantry providers in Seminole, Community Market will use study findings to improve food distribution programs for Seminole County residents.