Food Assistance in Arkansas
When it comes to food insecurity, Arkansas ranks 2nd in the nation.[1] According to the Arkansas Food Bank, nearly 1 in 5 Arkansans struggle to provide enough food for themselves and their family.[2] This struggle is only heightened in light of the economic impact of COVID-19. If you are an Arkansan faced with food insecurity, you may be wondering where to go for food assistance.
Arkansas Food Bank
When it comes to securing food and basic necessities during the holidays, one place to turn to are local food pantries, shelters, churches, soup kitchens, and other non-profit hunger organizations. The Arkansas Food Bank, which is the largest hunger-relief organization in Arkansas, partners with more than 420 of these local food pantries in Central and Southern Arkansas. These local food pantries in turn serve their local community and help to distribute food to those in need.[3] The food pantries generally will have items that are “shelf-stable” and non-perishable. But some pantries such as St. Francis House in Little Rock also carry refrigerated meat, such as ground beef or chicken.
Find your local Food Banks and Pantries
To find a local food pantry near you, visit the Arkansas Food Bank’s Agency Locator Map at: https://arkansasfoodbank.org/who-we-serve/service-map/. In addition to the Arkansas Food Bank, the website foodpantries.org also maintains a comprehensive list of food pantries operating in Arkansas.[4] The site allows you to enter a city and search where a food pantry can be found. In addition to these internet-based resources, you can text “FINDFOOD” to (844) 381-3663 to find the nearest food pantry near you.
If you find yourself in need of food over the holidays, you should visit the above websites or send a text to the above number to locate a food pantry near you. Some food pantries have specific operating hours, so you should call ahead of time and confirm service hours for the food pantry.
RESOURCES:
[1] https://www.feedingamerica.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/Brief_Local%20Impact_10.2020_0.pdf.
[2] https://arkansasfoodbank.org/.
[3] https://arkansasfoodbank.org/how-can-i-help-2/events/food-for-the-holidays-kark-telethon-for-the-arkansas-foodbank/.
[4] https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/ar-little_rock.