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Broken Arrow Public Schools hosting "Food for Kids" food drive at football game tonight

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 12:15 GMT by Fox 23
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Broken Arrow Public Schools Gear Up for a Community Food Drive at Tonight’s Football Game

In a heart‑warming show of community solidarity, the Broken Arrow Public Schools (BAPS) announced this week that the football field at Arrow Heights High School will double as a food donation center for tonight’s much‑anticipated home‑coming game. The initiative—organized in partnership with the local Broken Arrow Food Bank and the school’s Parent‑Teacher Association (PTA)—aims to stockpile non‑perishable food items for families in the district who are struggling to make ends meet.

A Tradition of Giving

The idea behind the food drive is rooted in a long‑standing tradition of the BAPS community, which has long prioritized both academic excellence and civic responsibility. According to Principal Lisa Martinez, the school district has consistently recognized the importance of addressing basic needs as part of student support. “When families have food insecurity, it’s hard for kids to focus on their studies,” she said. “We want to ensure that our students can bring home nutritious meals and feel supported in every aspect of their lives.”

The food drive will run through the duration of the game, with designated donation boxes placed near the ticket booths and in the stadium’s concession area. The PTA has set clear guidelines: donations should be in the form of canned goods, dry staples such as rice or pasta, and other non‑perishable items that can be stored easily. The organization also plans to accept ready‑to‑eat items that are not expired, such as cereal, peanut butter, and single‑serve breakfast bars.

Logistics and Partnerships

The initiative was launched in collaboration with the Arrow Heights Food Bank, a community-based nonprofit that has been servicing families across the Tulsa‑area for over 25 years. According to the food bank’s executive director, Mark Davis, the partnership is vital for ensuring that donations are effectively routed to families in need. “We receive an overwhelming amount of donations from the school community, and our logistics team is ready to sort and distribute them promptly,” he said. “The football game offers a massive turnout, which gives us a golden opportunity to gather a substantial amount of food in a single evening.”

The BAPS PTA also secured sponsorships from local businesses. A team of volunteers from the Tulsa‑based grocery chain, “Baker’s Pantry,” will help with the collection and transport of the donated goods. “It’s an excellent way for our employees to get back to the community and support the kids who represent us,” said a spokesperson for the grocery chain.

To streamline the donation process, the school has installed digital kiosks that allow donors to scan QR codes and receive real‑time confirmation that their items have been logged. The digital receipts can be emailed to the donor, ensuring transparency and providing a way to track how much each participant has contributed.

Community Response

The announcement was met with enthusiastic support from the Broken Arrow community. On social media, parents and alumni alike have taken to Twitter and Facebook to thank the school administration for the initiative. One local parent, who requested anonymity, posted: “It’s so uplifting to see our school district and the community come together to help families who need it most. I can’t wait to drop off my canned tomatoes and canned soup tonight.”

Former student and current NFL player, Chris “Cannon” Johnson, who grew up in Broken Arrow, also weighed in via a short video posted on the school’s official page. “I’ve been to a few high‑school games, and I can’t tell you how proud I am of my hometown,” Johnson said. “The school and the community are making sure no kid goes hungry, and that’s something worth cheering for.”

What to Expect at the Game

In addition to the food drive, the game itself promises a classic high‑school football atmosphere complete with a pep rally, a marching band, and a halftime show featuring local youth performers. The kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., with tickets available at the main gate for $10. Fans are encouraged to bring their own reusable containers or purchase a one‑time use bag from the school’s concession stand.

After the final whistle, the volunteer team will move through the parking lot, collecting food boxes that have been placed by attendees. The food drive will continue for one hour post‑game to ensure that all donations are captured, with the team also taking the opportunity to thank donors personally.

Why It Matters

Broken Arrow Public Schools recognize that a child’s success depends on more than just academic support. As part of its mission to “educate the whole child,” the district has long acknowledged that physical health is a critical component of learning readiness. A recent internal survey revealed that nearly 15% of the student population reports feeling hungry before school or missing meals due to family financial constraints.

In response, BAPS has pledged to continue its efforts beyond tonight’s game. “This is just the beginning,” Principal Martinez said. “We plan to hold quarterly food drives, partner with local food pantries, and, where possible, provide scholarships for families in need. Our goal is to eliminate food insecurity as a barrier to learning within our district.”

Looking Ahead

The food drive is expected to set a precedent for future community‑driven projects within the school district. Teachers have already begun incorporating the initiative into their lesson plans, using it as a teaching moment to discuss nutrition, economics, and community service. The school’s guidance counselors have announced that they will conduct a follow‑up study on how the food drive impacts students’ academic performance and overall well‑being.

For families seeking assistance, the Broken Arrow Food Bank’s website lists a “Get Involved” section detailing how to sign up for volunteer work, schedule pickups, or place direct donations. The district’s website also offers a “Resource Center” with links to food assistance programs, housing support, and emergency funds.

As the community gears up for tonight’s game, the combined effort of students, parents, teachers, and local businesses underscores a powerful message: in Broken Arrow, no child goes hungry on the path to education. By turning a beloved school event into a platform for generosity, Broken Arrow Public Schools have once again demonstrated that academic excellence and compassion can—and must—go hand in hand.