Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
‘Nobody should be hungry’
NWA Food Bank helping food insecure Arkansans
A cold and rainy October morning didn’t stop Carol Gillean from making her monthly visit to the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank mobile pantry.
“I come to the food bank to get some assistance,” the 77-year-old said. “I’m a regular here. I’m a senior and I can use the help making my dollars stretch. I appreciate it and I eat every bite.”
Carol and more than 100 other NWA residents visit the mobile food pantry at the Springdale Senior Center every month to pick up dietary staples that will help them stretch their limited budgets. A monthly supply might include a bag of frozen chicken, rice or potatoes, fresh fruits or vegetables and a loaf or two of bread. It’s not enough to feed them for the entire month, but it helps.
Carol said she is thankful for the NWA Food Bank and doesn’t know what she would do without its services.
It’s a great program for those on a limited income,” she explained. “I don’t have to worry if I am going to eat tomorrow. Even if it’s a vegetable or a beanie weeny. It all helps. It all counts.”
Stretching every dollar
When Kent Eikenberry, president and CEO of NWA Food Bank, hears that kind of praise for the NWA Food Bank, he knows his efforts and the efforts of his staff and volunteers are making a big difference.
“It bothers me that there is the need,” the organization’s executive director said, standing in a cold light rain watching his crew deliver much appreciated food boxes and bags to those in line. “It is very fulfilling we can help people who need help. Nobody should be hungry. Least of all those people who are working and trying to make a living. They deserve to be able to eat on a regular basis.”
Every month the mobile food pantry packs up their box truck and takes their needed service to the streets of 10 NWA communities. Originally designed to help fixed income seniors, the service is also available to anyone in need at couple of their regular distribution locations.
“We have a large number of volunteers and staff here today,” Kent said. “We’re going to help more that 100 people who didn’t necessarily know where their next meal was gong to come from.”
Kent explained that he and his staff are thankful for the support the Food Bank receives from the NWA community volunteers and donors.
“We are extremely blessed the community supports us,” he said, watching the long line of cars snake by the food distribution tent. “The people are there to help us. We couldn’t do it without the volunteers and donors.”
Financial contributions to the food bank are the lifeblood of its mission. While contributions of canned goods and non perishables are greatly appreciated, Kent explained after 30 years of operation they have found efficient ways to make every dollar donated stretch.
“We have much more opportunity to stretch every dollar,” he said. “Because of our partnerships with Feeding America and our other local partners who donate food, we can provide 10 meals for a dollar donated.”
That, combined with the organization’s commitment to keep overhead low, is a proven formula for meeting the needs of many.
“Every dollar helps,” he stressed. “Every hour volunteering helps. No amount is too small.”