While we all tend to focus on how the effects of a down economy affect us personally, there's a bigger picture that tends to disappear in times like these.

Our Oklahoma food banks are nearly empty because the crazy inflation we're all feeling has us all in economic survival mode.

Just like it always does, when inflation goes up, benevolence goes down. Donations have slowed at most Sooner State food banks and community organizers are desperately asking for donations.

Canva
Canva
loading...

Now that we're entering the holiday season, the shelves are only going to grow more bare.

Luckily, this is a problem that is relatively easy to solve if we all participate. If we all managed to purchase an extra can or two of shelf-stable food the next time we grocery shop, food banks across the state could potentially be flush for the holiday season.

Canva
Canva
loading...

If you'd rather just donate cash, because that's easier, food banks around the state would welcome that too. Just contact your local pantry to ask them how to do it.

Oklahoma's Highest Rated Steakhouses

Being a Top-5 cattle producer, you might expect to find a great steak on the menu of nearly every restaurant in the state, but life is never that simple or easy. The biggest hurdle isn't a lack of steak options on menus, it's the variation of personal tastes that drives reputations and reviews, but here are the steakhouses most Oklahomans can agree on.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Oklahoma's Highest-Rated Barbeque Joints, In No Particular Order...

I doubt there's a single topic debated more passionately in Oklahoma than who makes the best BBQ. While they all smoke meat, there are some huge differences in how that process is done. Type of wood, length of cook, foil vs paper wrap, and even the hot topics of seasoning and binders come into play. What you like others may not, and vice versa. Since we can't just pick a top five or ten, here are the Oklahoma barbeque joints that have the biggest fans.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

The Highest Rated Local 'Cheap Eats' Restaurants In Lawton

Sometimes you just cannot eat another bite of chain-restaurant food. There's a bit of comfort in the fact you can visit any location in the country and have the same meal, but it grows tired on the taste buds. Sometimes you just need something uniquely local and preferably within your budget.

While there are higher-rated restaurants in town, they come at a steep price. Paying $12 for a lime-washed beer or glass of wine crosses the border between eating a meal and paying extra for entertainment. Here are the highest-rated local cheap eats in Lawton according to Trip Advisor.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

More From KZCD-FM