OUR MISSION
Eliminating School Meal Debt in Oklahoma
12 Baskets 4 Kids Fund is dedicated to ensuring no Oklahoma student goes hungry or faces shame for unpaid meal balances. We believe every child deserves to focus on learning—not hunger.
Our Story
When the federal program providing free school meals to all students ended in 2022, Oklahoma families were left in a difficult position. Overnight, children who had been eating without worry suddenly faced meal debt—and the stigma that comes with it.
We founded 12 Baskets 4 Kids Fund with a simple belief: a child's ability to eat at school shouldn't depend on their family's financial situation. Named after the biblical story of abundance from scarcity, we work to transform limited resources into lasting impact.
Our approach is direct: we partner with Oklahoma school districts to identify students with meal debt and pay it off. No child should be denied a hot meal or forced to carry the weight of debt they didn't create.
100%
Goes to meal debt
The Reality in Oklahoma
These numbers represent real children—students who deserve to learn without the burden of hunger.
1 in 6
Oklahoma children face food insecurity
$45M+
School meal debt statewide
700K+
Students enrolled in public schools
63%
Qualify for free/reduced lunch
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Compassion
Every child deserves dignity and care, regardless of their family's circumstances.
Community
We're Oklahomans helping Oklahomans build a better future for our children.
Direct Action
100% of donations go directly to eliminating student meal debt—no overhead.
Education First
When hunger is eliminated, students can focus on what matters: learning.
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How We Work
01
Partner with Schools
We work directly with Oklahoma school districts to identify students with outstanding meal balances.
02
Collect Donations
Community members contribute knowing 100% of their gift eliminates meal debt.
03
Pay Off Debt
We send payments directly to school districts to clear student accounts.
04
Restore Dignity
Children return to the lunch line without shame, ready to learn and grow.