Tulsa Activist Tina Parkhill Leads Fight Against Food Insecurity

Parkhill's grassroots efforts aim to provide nutritious food access for underserved communities.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Tina Parkhill, a Tulsa-based community organizer, has dedicated herself to addressing food insecurity in Oklahoma's second-largest city. Through her work with local nonprofits and partnerships with city officials, Parkhill has spearheaded initiatives to establish urban gardens, mobile food pantries, and nutrition education programs in underserved neighborhoods.

Why it matters

Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in Tulsa, with an estimated 15% of residents lacking reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. Parkhill's efforts aim to tackle this issue at the grassroots level, empowering local communities to take ownership of their food systems and improve health outcomes.

The details

Parkhill co-founded the Tulsa Food Security Coalition, which brings together a network of nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and city agencies to coordinate food distribution and education programs. The coalition has established several urban gardens in low-income areas, providing fresh produce to nearby residents. Parkhill has also worked with the city to launch a fleet of mobile food pantries that bring healthy groceries directly to neighborhoods identified as 'food deserts'.

  • Parkhill co-founded the Tulsa Food Security Coalition in 2020.
  • The coalition's first urban garden was established in the Kendall-Whittier neighborhood in 2021.
  • The city's mobile food pantry program launched in 2022 and now serves 10 locations across Tulsa.

The players

Tina Parkhill

A Tulsa-based community organizer who has dedicated herself to addressing food insecurity in the city.

Tulsa Food Security Coalition

A coalition of nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and city agencies that Parkhill co-founded to coordinate food distribution and education programs in Tulsa.

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What they’re saying

“Food insecurity is a complex issue that requires a community-wide effort. By working together, we can ensure that all Tulsans have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.”

— Tina Parkhill, Co-founder, Tulsa Food Security Coalition (Tulsa World)

What’s next

The Tulsa Food Security Coalition plans to expand its network of urban gardens and mobile food pantries to reach more neighborhoods in need over the next year.

The takeaway

Tina Parkhill's grassroots efforts demonstrate how community-driven initiatives can make a meaningful impact in addressing food insecurity, inspiring others to get involved and support local solutions to this persistent challenge.