Northwest Arkansas Food Bank:

because no one should go hungry

Founded in 1989 by June Self and in Northwest Arkansas more than 70,000 people face food insecurity every day. Food insecurity means not always having access to enough food for all members of the household.

That number has increased in the past years, according to Julie Damer, director of marketing and communications for the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.

“The number is very fluid as people move in and out of the area every day,” she points out. “We are seeing more and more new faces at our agency partners, Feed Rogers client-choice pantry, and mobile pantries each month.”

Many food insecure families cut back on food expenditures to pay for critical household expenses. According to research by Feeding America, more than two-thirds of households served by Feeding America food banks report choosing between food and utilities, medicine or transportation.

Founded in 1989 by June Self and headquartered in Springdale, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank distributes food that is both purchased and donated to over 110 agency partners in Benton, Washington, Carroll and Madison counties.

The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank’s Mobile Pantries take food to outlying areas once a month and distribute food to those in that service area, along with their School Pantry Program.

In 2022, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank distributed over 13.8 million pounds of food and provided over 11.1 million meals in the fourcounty area.

They are in the process of building a new Center for Hunger Relief at the intersection of Highway 71 and Pleasant Grove Road in Lowell. It will be named after Claude and Betty Harris, longtime supporters of the Food Bank. The 80,000-plus-squarefoot facility will allow the food bank to serve more food insecure families in the area, and will also provide them the capacity to expand services with a bigger warehouse and cold storage. It is expected to open mid-summer 2024.

The goal of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is to nourish, feed and lead those who are in need. Damer notes that quality, nutritious food is a priority.

“Food does much more than just fill a stomach. We are continually trying to secure fresh fruits and vegetables for our clients, as well as canned foods that are lower in sodium, low sugar canned fruits, fresh protein and whole grains. Healthy foods help keep people healthy.”

How to Help

“We appreciate every single donation we receive – no matter the size,” Damer said. “All donations we receive go directly to those in need in our area. You can donate food, time or money to us and make a difference in someone’s life.”

The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is always looking for volunteers.

“We couldn’t do what we do without volunteers – and it is super easy to sign up,” Damer pointed out. “Just visit our website, click to volunteer and register for a day and time that is convenient for you. We gladly welcome individuals, groups or companies.”

How to Find Food

The best way is to visit the website www.nwafoodbank.org, where you will find a full listing of their partner agencies by county, as well as a monthly food pantry schedule.