Arkansas Foodbank Calls for Greater Involvement Amid Rising Food Insecurity
The Arkansas Foodbank is urging Arkansans to take a more active role in addressing the state’s worsening food insecurity crisis. Recent reports from the USDA have highlighted the stark reality of food insecurity in the state, with Arkansas ranking first in the country for the highest percentage of food-insecure residents. This issue affects not only low-income families but also vulnerable populations such as children and seniors.
Food insecurity is defined by the USDA as the lack of resources to provide nutritionally adequate and safe foods. The Arkansas Foodbank has seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking assistance, with 1 in 7 residents and 1 in 5 children living in food-insecure households. The organization remains committed to its mission to eliminate hunger and improve access to food for all Arkansans.
Efforts to combat food insecurity are underway, including the distribution of over 40 million pounds of food annually within the Foodbank’s 33-county service area. Additionally, the USDA has allocated .6 million in grants to improve food security in Arkansas. Despite these initiatives, the Foodbank emphasizes the need for collective action to address this pressing issue.
The CEO of the Arkansas Foodbank, Brian Burton, emphasizes that the fight against food insecurity requires a comprehensive approach. He notes that the decline in government pandemic food assistance and rising inflation have led to an increase in families turning to the charitable food system. The organization continues to distribute food to those in need but encourages the public to stay engaged and support their efforts.
Arkansans who want to get involved can participate in the USDA Commodities Program through TEFAP, which provides eligibility for distribution of USDA commodities by contract. The Foodbank’s reports highlight a severe disparity in food insecurity rates among racial and ethnic groups, with Black residents facing a higher rate compared to Hispanic and white individuals. This collective effort will help mitigate the impact of food insecurity on these communities.
