The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is seeking young professionals, aged 24 to 40, to apply for Leadership Council Group IX. Applications are due April 17.

Leadership Council brings together young professionals seeking to get involved in their community and state through engagement with the Regional Food Bank. Group members volunteer their time and creativity to raise awareness about the issue of hunger in Oklahoma and increase the visibility of the Regional Food Bank.

“Leadership Council is the perfect opportunity for young professionals to learn and connect with other incredible individuals committed to making a difference in Oklahoma,” said Stacy Dykstra, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank.

The group works year-round, participating in fundraisers, social gatherings and community calls as well as special volunteer opportunities and networking events. Members also participate in virtual educational and informational programs designed to appeal to Oklahoma’s active young professionals in the community.

“The Regional Food Bank’s Leadership Council is an eye-opening experience. It goes beyond the basics of understanding the food insecurities of our state and raising awareness. You learn all aspects of how programs are ran, maintained, who it serves, where it’s needed and how many different needs exist. We have a real need in our state to help our community, especially the children and elderly.” said Taylor Gorjiyan, vice president of operations at Income Laboratory Inc. and a Leadership Council Group VIII member.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit rfbo.org/ leadership-council to learn more and to apply. Applicants will be notified about acceptance the week of June 5. If you have questions, please contact Dominique Ward, director of community engagement at the Regional Food Bank, at dward@rfbo.org or by phone at 405-600-3180.

About the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is leading the fight against hunger in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma and envisions a state where no one goes hungry. Founded in 1980, the Regional Food Bank is the state’s largest domestic hunger-relief 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes food through a network of community- based partner agencies and schools. The majority of people served by the Regional Food Bank are chronically hungry children, seniors living on fixed incomes and hardworking families struggling to make ends meet. The Regional Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s network of food banks. To join the fight to end hunger, visit rfbo.org.