There’s never been a better time to help support hungry Arkansans.
September is Hunger Action Month — a month where people all over the U.S. stand together with the Feeding America network of 200 food banks to fight hunger.
In Arkansas alone, more than 679,000 people may face hunger this year, many for the first time, an increase of more than 157,000 people because of the pandemic. This could increase the rate of food insecurity from 17.3% of the population to 22.5%. One in five Arkansans struggle with hunger. For children, that number is one in four.
The Arkansas Foodbank is working hard to ensure Arkansans have access to the food they need. Hunger Action Month is a time where the community has a chance to help take a stand against hunger. All month, the Foodbank will highlight hunger issues in the state and offer ways you can help make a difference.
Here’s what you can expect during Hunger Action Month:
Harvest Week (Sept. 7-12)
Harvest Night is the annual marquee event for September’s Hunger Action Month. Because of COVID-19, this year’s event is now a week-long celebration presented by Riceland Foods.
Hunger Week with Big Orange (Sept. 14-20 at both Big Orange locations)
Big Orange will be selling items highlighting the color of Hunger Action Month, orange. By purchasing each of these items, you’ll help provide food for 10 meals for those in need: sweet potato fries, Kennebec chip buckets with chipotle sauce, Big Orange queso and their special Velvet Orange cocktail.
Rice Day (Sept. 22, 10 a.m., Arkansas Foodbank Warehouse)
September is also National Rice Month. Arkansas is the largest rice-growing state in the nation, producing nearly 9 billion pounds annually. Join the Foodbank in celebration on Sept. 22 as the Arkansas rice industry makes a large donation to help feed hungry Arkansans.
Food For Kids Pack-a-thon (Sept. 25-26, Arkansas Foodbank Warehouse)
During this two-day event at the Foodbank, volunteers will pack more than 2,700 kits for the Backpack Program. These kits, filled with nutritious kid-friendly food, will be distributed to schools and sent home with students on weekends. Visit arkansasfoodbank.org to register now and reserve your spot to join us.
To learn more about Arkansas Foodbank and to see a full calendar of events for Hunger Action Month head to the Foodbank’s website.