‘We need them’: Tulsa non-profit says high grocery prices increase demand [Video]

TULSA, Okla. — Christian Ministers Alliance started helping the less fortunate in Green Country 40 years ago.

This year, officials said they need more help.

The organization gives away 4,000 Thanksgiving baskets to students and families at school districts like Tulsa Public Schools, Union, Broken Arrow, and Owasso.

However, Reverend W.R. Casey told 2 News that isn’t possible without donations.

“We need about 3,000 and Walmart is holding 300 for us right now, so we need a lot,” Rev. Casey said.

Within that basket, Christian Ministers Alliance is asking for:

• Turkeys
• Hams
• Sweet Potatoes
• Potatoes
• Green Beans
• Corn
• Stuffing

“We believe in God for the donations, but we need them,” Casey said.2 News wanted to find out why people aren’t donating as much as they have in previous years. We found the leading cause is cost.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Oklahomans’ average cost of groceries is almost $300 a month, one of the nation’s highest.

2 News spoke with Scott Carter, the Economics Chair at the …