The Community Cupboard is Southwest Oklahoma’s locally supported program that provides emergency food to local residents in need. We assist families in low-income brackets as well as those on fixed incomes or those who are unemployed or underemployed. A part of Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, each year we provide services to hundreds of families, veterans, and homeless individuals. In association with various local organizations, the Community Cupboard works to bring in donations of food, non-perishable items, and monetary donations to stock the Cupboard.

Local churches, civic organizations, local businesses, and private citizens donate needed items to help out members of the community in need.

Community Cupboard was designed to be a counter to the economic downturn of the early 1980’s. A local Altus pastor’s wife initiated the idea after witnessing the growing need in the area, and established a facility to provide emergency food assistance. The idea was adopted by the Associated Christian Ministries, Inc.’s “Committee for the Needy” in 1981.

In 1987, Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, Inc., was appointed as the new distribution agency. Since then, SOCAG’s Community Cupboard has grown to be a pillar of support for the region. In 2020, the Community Cupboard provided emergency food to 2,374 households that were in food crisis. A total of 1,575 baskets were given out throughout the year.

Food Distribution

We are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Food distribution varies as donations, funding, and community needs fluctuate. If you have questions regarding the process or your eligibility to receive assistance, please visit or call our office.

The Community Cupboard provides emergency food to individuals and families who are in immediate food crisis. Some essential staples such as personal hygiene products and diapers are available on a limited basis.

Community Support and Volunteers

Throughout the year, the Community Cupboard works with companies, agencies, and churches to sponsor events to collect staple food items and raise funds that are vital to our operation. During the holiday season, the needs of our community are great. If your company or organization would like to schedule a food drive or fundraising event please give us a call at (580) 482-5040.

The Community Cupboard utilizes the services of several dedicated volunteers putting in countless hours to process thousands of pounds of food each month. Without these noble efforts, our program wouldn’t be able to serve Southwest Oklahoma. If you would like to join our enthusiastic group of community-minded volunteers, please call our office. Our need is especially high during the holiday season.

Donations are always welcome to be dropped off Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monetary donations can be made by contacting our office.

Office located at 900 S. Carver Rd., Altus, OK 73521