Team Tinker Food Pantry expands hours to meet growing demand

The Team Tinker Food Pantry at Tinker Air Force Base is serving an average of 40 families per day, with numbers expected to rise as Oklahoma SNAP benefits expired on Nov. 1. 

To accommodate families, the pantry will add an evening session from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 

The pantry is in need of donations and support from the community. Retirees will no longer receive food directly. Instead, they will receive a list of local food banks for assistance. 

High-need items include: 

• Vegetables such as green beans, corn and carrots 
• Starches such as ramen noodles, rice, macaroni and cheese and Hamburger Helper 
• Baking items including flour, sugar, syrup and pancake mix 
• Fruits such as canned fruit, applesauce and fruit cocktail 
• Pantry staples including spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, broth, evaporated milk and peanut butter 
• Soups 
• Beverages including juice, tea, coffee and drink mixes 
• Hygiene and household items such as soap, toothpaste, dish soap, laundry detergent and toilet paper 
• Baby items including diapers, wipes, formula, cereal and baby food 

Donations can also be made through the Tinker Family Readiness Fund, which accepts checks, cash and gift cards at the Military Family & Readiness Center front desk. Volunteers are needed to support pantry operations and can sign up using the QR code on the flyer. Please note that volunteers must already have base access. 

The pantry is located in Building 6001, across from the Tinker Chapel. Regular hours are: 

• Monday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4–6 p.m. 
• Wednesday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4–6 p.m. 
• Friday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and 4–6 p.m. 

The pantry provides vital support to Tinker families, connecting them with food, resources and community assistance during a time of increasing need.