LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Hunger continues to affect communities across Arkansas, according to new data from Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap report.
The latest Meal Gap data shows more than 639,000 Arkansans are facing food insecurity, including more than 188,000 children. That means about one in five Arkansans and one in four children may not always know where their next meal is coming from.
“Map the Meal Gap is an annual project that Feeding America puts out every year,” said Jill Niemeier, data systems administrator at the Arkansas Food Bank. Niemeier said the project includes an interactive map that provides county, state and congressional district-level data on food insecurity, budget shortfalls for food and demographic information.
Kate Jenkins of the Arkansas Foodbank said the “one in five” figure represents a reality that can be easy to overlook. “If you’re standing in a room of 10 people, then two people in that room might not know where dinner is, which is not good in any way, shape, or form,” she said. She added that some Arkansans may feel embarrassed about being food insecure, but emphasized, “You are not alone.”
For families looking for help, Jenkins said the Arkansas Food Bank works with more than 400 partner agencies across central and southern Arkansas. “Absolutely, we want to help you,” she said. She encouraged people to click here to find nearby pantries by entering a ZIP code. The site lists locations, contact information and hours of operation, and Jenkins suggested calling ahead to reduce uncertainty about what to expect.
Jenkins also addressed concerns about eligibility for federal assistance. She said the food bank often sees people who are not eligible for SNAP because of work requirements or salary thresholds. “However, we want to help you with a food pantry,” she said, adding that people who have been denied SNAP can still seek assistance through the food bank.
Niemeier said the Map the Meal Gap data is used to guide where resources are needed most. She said the food bank reviews the data each year to make “data-based decisions” about programs and focus areas within its service region, and that the organization’s data team also looks more closely at census tracts and neighborhoods to better tailor solutions.
She said the data behind Map the Meal Gap comes from multiple sources, including the USDA Food Insecurity Report, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census data and Current Population Survey data, along with modeling by Feeding America.
For those who want to help address hunger, Jenkins said there are several ways to get involved. “Absolutely, we believe that everyone can get involved in the fight against hunger, and there’s three easy ways to do it. Your time, talent, and treasure,” she said.
Niemeier said donations can be made through ArkansasFoodBank.org. “Every $1 provides five meals,” she said. She also encouraged volunteering, noting that last year more than 10,000 volunteers donated 57,000 hours, saving $1.5 million in labor costs. For people who cannot donate or volunteer right now, she suggested sharing information on social media.
