Feeding Arkansas’ Hungry

Feeding Arkansas’ Hungry

According to the latest census figures, Arkansas is tied with Mississippi as the most food insecure state in the nation with 19.2 percent of residents experiencing insufficient amounts of food within the last 12 months. And according to a report released recently by the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger, Arkansas ranks #1 in senior hunger for the third consecutive year.

Hunger is an issue we can all help to alleviate. And there is no better time to consider a donation or volunteering. September is Hunger Action Month.

You can help by teaching your children the importance of giving back to their local community.

Individuals and families can create a personal fundraising campaign through Set the Table. They can donate their birthday or other special events to the cause by asking friends and family to make a donation to Feeding America in lieu of buying presents. You can set up an account at www.feedingamerica.org.

The Feeding America network of food banks serve virtually every community across the country. If your family is involved in a community group — such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts or 4H — see if the group can volunteer together.

You can also help families right here in Arkansas by donating to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.

Every dollar you contribute can represent three meals for a person in need.

Through their donation and purchasing programs, they are able to acquire food for far less than you can buy it in your local grocery store.

Making cash donations means your dollar can buy more and do more.

Food drives are a great way to help stock the shelves of local food pantries.

The Alliance can connect you with a pantry or food bank in your area that can benefit from your generosity.

You can find more information the efforts of the Hunger Relief Alliance at www.arhungeralliance.org.

We have a long way to go for the men, women, and children who continue to face hunger in our state. It cannot be done without the help of all of us working together in our communities.

From State Representative Milton Nicks