According to the Arkansas Foodbank, one in five people in the Natural State don’t know where their next meal will come from, and that number is even higher among children.
Tuesday, September 29, is Hunger Action Day, which focuses on raising awareness of food insecurity and encouraging people to get involved with outreach efforts.
Arkansas has the highest rate of food insecurity in the nation, and Kent Eikenberry, former CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, explained that the reasons behind rising food insecurity may be more complex than they appear.
“It goes from you’re food insecure, and you’re not getting help, to you’re food insecure but you’re still getting help, or you’re food secure but only with help,” he said.
While research into the issue is still developing, one of the most common factors researchers are finding is the rising cost of living. This can make it harder for families to afford necessities, including food, even as food banks and other organizations continue working to provide assistance.
The Arkansas Foodbank said one Arkansas business is stepping up to help on Hunger Action Day.
Safe Foods, a division of Fortrex, a food safety and sanitation company, is tripling all donations made to the Arkansas Foodbank on Tuesday. That means a $5 donation that would normally provide 25 meals will now provide 75 meals.
“We are so thankful to Safe Foods for this generous matching gift,” said Nick Starnes, director of development and planned giving at the Arkansas Foodbank. “Because of supporters like them, families across central and southern Arkansas can gather around the table with one less burden weighing on them. But that only happens when caring people choose to act. Thank you for helping us fight hunger in our communities.”
Those who want to help can find more information about donating through the Arkansas Foodbank’s website.
