Charlie Runs for The Oasis Project

Most of you who know me know that food access and specifically, access to healthy foods for rural and underserved populations has been a mission close to my heart for a long time.

Some of you may also know that access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other staple groceries at fair prices has also been a dire need in the North Tulsa community for a long time.

Most people who reside in North Tulsa are classified by the USDA as low income (earnings below the federal poverty level), and many also have low access to vehicles. Day to day realities for people without vehicles who are low income and with limited access to a grocery store, either means settling for what is available within walking distance; usually prepackaged, high calorie, high sodium foods & sodas found at convenience stores, or riding up to three hours worth of buses to get groceries. Now imagine doing that with two kids under 5 in tow, and on a budget. It is a logistical nightmare. The long term effects of a lifestyle limited by access to fresh foods are devastating over the life course, resulting in higher rates of chronic diseases such as hypertension, cardio vascular disease, diabetes, stroke & even premature death - did you know that North Tulsa residents have a life expectancy 11 years younger than those of other Tulsa communities? This is a huge disparity and 100% preventable.

That is where The Oasis Fresh Market & The Oasis Project come in.

The Oasis Fresh Market is a brand new, full-service grocery store located in the heart of what the USDA defines as a “food desert.” While Oasis Fresh Market reduces barriers for North Tulsa residents to access fresh foods at an affordable price point, The Oasis Project aims to build bridges to other resources for market customers and community residents. The Oasis Fresh Market is a huge stride towards a better future for the North Tulsa community, but it is only the very pinnacle of the overall mission.

The Oasis Project will work alongside Oasis Fresh Market to meet other customer needs on a case by case basis. The Oasis Project believes in a holistic approach to health and wellness; that is, that for a person to be the best version of themselves, to achieve their full potential, their physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, occupational, environmental and social health needs must be met.

The Oasis Project aims to develop programming and promote existing resources in the community to improve all dimensions of health for North Tulsa residents and beyond by meeting needs from medication assistance, home ownership information, educational needs, employment, mental health and counseling resources, and more, to create sustained change.

We will become a resting place for those in need of help, hope and healing - an oasis, if you will.

With all of that said, The Oasis Project has quickly become something I want to support whole-heartedly and truly believe in, so I will be running this weekend in a 13 mile trail race called the Flower Moon race to raise funds for The Oasis Project. I tremendously appreciate any and all support. <3

Thank you so much,
Charlie Love