Anytime is a good time to help those in need throughout the state, but September is a great time as this month marks the start of Hunger Action Month. Arkansas Farm Bureau Insurance Company (AFBIC) has been proud to partner with the Arkansas Food Bank over the years, helping feed countless needy families. If you’re looking to learn more, this blog will provide you some information about their organization, the need to help right here at home, and how you can get involved.
History of the Arkansas Food Bank
The Arkansas Food Bank was founded in 1984 after the rice farmers in the state realized that their crop surplus could be used to help feed their neighbors in need. Within two years, the Arkansas Food Bank had distributed over 1 million pounds of food. A few years later, in 1989, the Arkansas Food Bank became a member of the Feeding America network, which greatly expanded its reach to acquire and distribute more food.
How Hunger Impacts Arkansas
Despite those remarkable efforts over the years, more than 467,550 people in Arkansas may not know where their next meal will come from. According to Feeding America, more than 134,690 of those hungry in Arkansas are children, meaning 1 in 6 children throughout the state face hunger.
The biggest burden facing needy families is, of course, a lack of financial resources. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) does a lot to bridge the meal gap for many families, especially families with young children. Around 48.3 percent of households receiving SNAP benefits have children. However, even these programs aren’t enough as Arkansans still need around $262,358,000 more per year to cover the cost of food.
Ways You Can Help Out
Donate Funds
There are many ways you can help out, with the first and easiest way being to donate money. You can donate directly to the Arkansas Food Bank online. You can donate via phone by calling (501) 569-4306 or by text message by simply texting “Donate” to (844) 381-3663. Lastly, you can donate by mail at 4301 W 65th Street, Little Rock, AR 72209. Be sure to make checks payable to the Arkansas Foodbank.
Donate Food
You can donate food by hosting a food drive. Those looking to donate will find plenty of information online at the Arkansas Food bank website, as well as a helpful guide about which items are most needed.
Where You Can Go to Donate
The Arkansas Foodbank isn’t the only food bank doing great work to feed the hungry in our state. There are six major food banks that serve Arkansans located throughout the state, as well as one location in neighboring Tennessee. Finding the location nearest you is a great place to get started.
1378 June Self Dr.
Bethel Heights, AR 72764
River Valley Regional Food Bank
1617 South Zero St.
PO Box 180070
Ft. Smith, AR 72918
Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas
3414 One Place
P.O. Box 2097
Jonesboro, AR 72402
4301 W 65th St.
Little Rock, AR 72209
Harvest Regional Food Bank, Inc.
3120 East 19th St.
P.O. Box 707
Texarkana, AR 71854
3865 S Perkins Rd.
Memphis, TN 38118
Farm Bureau Insurance of Arkansas has proudly served the state for over 70 years, providing high-quality home and auto insurance. Speak with an agent to get a fast and risk-free quote today.