FOOD FOR THOUGHT | DECEMBER 2022

FOOD FOR THOUGHT May 2026

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:45:08 GMT

Letter From Our President & CEO – May 2026

Summer is almost here. You can feel it.

For kids across Northwest Arkansas, it means longer days, time with friends, swimming, popsicles, and a break from the routine. Many of us remember that feeling. Summer carried a sense of freedom and possibility.

But for many families, summer also brings real pressure.

During the school year, thousands of children rely on breakfast and lunch at school. When school is out, those meals don’t just disappear. They shift back to the home. At the same time, costs go up. Schedules get harder. Parents are juggling work, childcare, and summer camps that don’t always line up.

I feel some of that in my own home with my three kiddos. It takes planning and coordination. It takes resources. And even then, it can be stressful.

Now imagine families already stretched thin. Families doing their very best, but still need a little help.

That’s why this season matters so much.

At the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, summer is a time when the need increases and the margin for error gets smaller. We have to raise more. We have to move more food. And we have to make sure families know where to turn when they need support.

A donation this time of year fills the gap that summer break creates. You help make sure a child starts their day with breakfast. You help a parent breathe a little easier.

One easy way to get involved: The second annual KNWA Cereal Drive kicks off this month. Our goal is to collect and distribute more than 150,000 units of breakfast items for families across our region.

This month also brings the official launch of Market on the Move. If you see our new truck around town, that’s it in action. It’s designed to bring food directly into areas that don’t have easy access. This is what it looks like to meet people where they are.

Thank you for being part of this work. Your support matters. It shows up in real ways for real families every day.

We believe food is the foundation. And together, we can make sure every child has the kind of summer they deserve.

Taylor

Neighbor story: Angela and Maria

Being retired, Angel and Maria understand the challenges of living on a fixed income. Thanks to Feed Rogers, they no longer have to wonder where their next meal will come from.

Feed Rogers is a free neighbor-choice pantry that allows neighbors to select their own food, rather than receiving a pre-packed box of groceries.

After their neighbor invited them to Feed Rogers, Angel and Maria appreciated being able to select their own groceries, choosing only the items they would use and knowing nothing would be wasted.

“I hate getting a box of stuff and knowing that I’ve got to find a home for it because I can’t eat it,” said Angel. When [other pantries] hand us boxes of stuff that we can’t eat, we try to distribute it to somewhere else, but we don’t have to worry about that here. This place is the best one to come to. I love it.”

Feed Rogers allows one visit monthly and is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 479-408-4393.

Angel and Maria also shared how efficient Feed Rogers is, and how willing the staff and volunteers are while they shop.

“The staff is so friendly. It’s so neat, so organized, and so helpful. We are blessed to have this,” said Maria.

Feed Rogers is located at the intersection of 13th and W. Poplar in Rogers. It is staffed and operated by the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and is open four days a week for people to shop.

To make a one-time donation to support individuals like Angel and Maria, visit

https://nwafoodbank.givecloud.co/donatetoday..

Agency Spotlight: God's Pantry

Located in Garfield, Arkansas, God’s Pantry distributes food to neighbors every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank supplies food to God’s Pantry, one of 90+ agency partners across the region.

God’s Pantry values neighbor choice. Through their online ordering system, neighbors can select the items they need, ensuring they take home food they will eat.

“That’s really all we care about. The food we give away - as long as someone uses it, that’s what we want,” said Bill, Lead Volunteer at God’s Pantry.

When you arrive, a volunteer will check you in, confirm your order, and give you a pager so you can wait in your vehicle. A volunteer then shops for the items selected from your order and pages you when complete. When your pager rings, you are asked to pull forward to the

designated pick-up spot, where a volunteer will meet you with your bagged groceries.

If you did not order online, you can go inside to fill out a paper order list and follow the same pick-up process.

God’s Pantry welcomes all to their pantry and is staffed entirely by volunteers dedicated to fighting hunger in the community.

“We have a great set of volunteers and there’s a lot of camaraderie,” said Bill.

When a volunteer noticed a neighbor waiting in their car with their dog, she decided to bring dog treats the next week. Witnessing how this thoughtful gesture meant so much to the neighbor, she decided to make it a routine. Now, she consistently brings dog treats to share with neighbors who stop by with their dogs.

Other items frequently available at God’s Pantry include dog food, diapers, and hygiene products.

God’s Pantry is located at 17938 Dennis Mitchell Rd. in Garfield, Arkansas. They can be reached at (479) 345-8140 or by emailing Godspantrygarfield@gmail.com.

Photo representative of neighbor. Courtesy of Canva.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT April 2026

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:33:40 GMT

Letter From Our President & CEO – April 2026

Spring, Hope, and the Work Ahead 

I love the feeling of spring. There’s a freshness to it. A sense of renewal. Hope feels a little closer this time of year.

You can feel that energy across our team right now. There’s a bounce in the step as we go about the work of nourishing our neighbors across Northwest Arkansas. It’s a reminder that even in the face of real challenges, there is still forward momentum. There is still reason to believe we can meet the need in front of us.

At the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, we often say that food is the foundation. When people have consistent access to food, everything else becomes more possible. Health improves. Kids can focus in school. Families can begin to stabilize and move forward.

I was recently with other food bank leaders from across the country. There are certainly things to be concerned about. That’s real. But what stood out more than anything was a shared sense of resolve. A belief that we will continue to show up for the people who need us most.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve also spent a lot of time in the car with my wife and our three daughters. On a recent drive, my oldest started asking questions about some of the communities we passed through. She wondered if people had enough to eat. If they were safe.

It stopped me for a moment.

There’s something simple and honest about the way kids see the world. They don’t overcomplicate it. They just care. We all need to make sure we have enough. But if we also paid closer attention to whether our neighbors do, we would be closer to the kind of community we all want to live in.

That’s the work in front of us. It is work that gives me a lot of hope.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and it is a good time to say clearly that we could not do this without our volunteers. The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is built on partnership, and no partners show up more consistently than the individuals and groups who give their time. They pack boxes. They sort food. They make sure it gets out the door and into the hands of neighbors who need it. We are deeply grateful.

This month, we are also sharing our 2025 Annual Report. It reflects a year of meaningful progress. It also makes clear how much work remains. I hope you will take a few minutes to read through it and see how your support is helping move this mission forward.

If you have questions or want to learn more, I would welcome the conversation.

Taylor

Neighbor story: Lorenzo, Prairie Grove Mobile Pantry

Over the past eight years, Lorenzo has relied on the Prairie Grove Mobile Pantry as a consistent source of food that he can count on. He first learned about the Mobile Pantry from his friend, Betty.

Lorenzo’s monthly visits to the Prairie Grove Mobile Pantry have become a dependable routine and a way to ensure he and his friend have enough food.

“I’m 73. I’ve been coming here for over eight years,” Lorenzo says. “I first heard about it from my friend, Betty. She’s not here today, so I’m picking up her food for her.”

Lorenzo says he is grateful for the reliability of the Mobile Pantry and the quality of the food provided.

“You do a good job. I’m happy with what we get.”

For the latest Mobile Pantry schedule, please visit our Facebook page or www.nwafoodbank.org/find-food.

To make a one-time donation to support people like Lorenzo, visit www.nwafoodbank.org/donate.

Agency Spotlight: Bella Vista Baptist - The Pantry

Open every Monday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., The Pantry at Bella Vista Baptist Church provides food to neighbors in a welcoming, caring environment.

The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank supplies food to The Pantry at Bella Vista Baptist Church, one of 90+ agency partners across Northwest Arkansas .

Ed, Lead Pastor at Bella Vista Baptist and Director of The Pantry, understands that picking up food for the first time can feel intimidating, which is why he strives to maintain a space rooted in dignity, community, and understanding.

“It’s far beyond food; food is just a small part,” Ed says. “I tell our everybody that works here - every one of us is one car accident away, one loss of a job, or one cancer diagnosis away from needing to do this. And so, we treat everybody that way. It could be any person, and we could be in that same position.”

For Ed and his volunteers, the mission goes beyond groceries. They are dedicated to creating a space where neighbors feel welcome from the moment they arrive, fueled by their volunteer team and their eagerness to serve the community.

“I’ve never worked with a group of people like this. They’re so passionate. They’re not dragging in on a Monday morning. It’s just been a huge blessing. All our clients learned that we don’t make you do anything. We just want them to feel safe.”

The Pantry experienced a change in their atmosphere since opening in July that exemplifies the powerful impact of what showing up for your community can look like.

“Thanksgiving changed our entire dynamic,” Ed explained. “We ended up giving out 52 boxes of complete meals. And I don’t know what happened, or why, but it now has people coming here, and there’s laughter, they’re sharing, hugging, and answering each other’s questions…We’re seeing this wall just continuously break down. I talk to everybody. People are sharing that their needs are being met.”

Neighbors who visit the Pantry at Bella Vista Baptist are greeted by a volunteer upon entering the building and asked to sign in. Neighbors are asked to have a seat in the waiting room as volunteers prepare their groceries. Once ready, a volunteer walks the groceries out and helps load them into the car.

Neighbors can visit The Pantry every Monday and there are no requirements to pick up food.

They can be contacted at 479-855-3748.

Photo representative of neighbor. Courtesy of Canva.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT March 2026

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:04:54 GMT

Letter From Our President & CEO – March 2026

One thing I am learning quickly in this role is that there is no shortage of inspiration.

Every day I hear stories of perseverance, service, and grace. Those stories come from neighbors, from our agency partners, from fellow food banks, and from leaders who are working to make our communities stronger. I am grateful for the chance to witness that kind of commitment up close.

Many of you have likely seen the headlines that Arkansas ranks among the hungriest states in the nation. Those statistics matter, and they remind us how much work remains. But what I also see every day are people who refuse to accept that reality as permanent. Across our state, there are good people stepping forward and choosing to be part of the solution.

A few Fridays ago we gathered with all 88 of our agency partners for our annual Agency Meeting. It was a day full of energy and hope. Our team at the food bank works to coordinate and move food across Northwest Arkansas, but it is our agency partners who meet neighbors face to face and place that food into their hands. Many of those partners are volunteers who give countless hours to this work. They inspire us every day.

During that meeting I made a commitment to visit all 88 partner agencies over the next year. I intend to keep that promise. These organizations are doing remarkable work, and it is our responsibility at the food bank to support them in every way we can.

Last week, Kent and I traveled to Washington, D.C. with the other food banks in Arkansas and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. Together we met with members of the Arkansas delegation to share findings from a new study on hunger in our state. The openness and willingness of those leaders to engage in the conversation was encouraging. We are grateful to Senator Boozman and others who are working with us to pursue stronger solutions for Arkansans.

The past month has been a powerful reminder that this work is bigger than any one organization. It is a shared effort across neighbors, partners, volunteers, and leaders who believe our communities can be stronger.

We will continue to share a simple message: Food is the Foundation. Health, opportunity, and stability all begin there.

Thank you for standing with us in this work. Your support makes it possible, and we are truly grateful for you.

Taylor Speegle

President/CEO

Northwest Arkansas Food Bank

Congratulations Club 100 Class of 2025!

This year, we proudly welcomed 39 volunteers into Club 100, an exclusive group of individuals who have each served 100+ hours with Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.

We celebrated this year’s class with a special dinner at Wooden Spoon, a meaningful evening dedicated to honoring their impact and expressing our gratitude.

Their service strengthens every program area across our organization. When volunteers give 100+ hours, the ripple effect is felt in our warehouse, in our agency partners, and ultimately at the tables of families across Northwest Arkansas.

If you’d like to learn more about Club 100 or how to get involved, please reach out to Hunter Jimenez at hunter.jimenez@nwafoodbank.org.

Neighbor story: Paula

It’s the second week of Pantry to Plate as Sawyer, Steven and Samuel head back to the kitchen for seconds of their lentil and veggie soup that they just learned how to make.

Pantry to Plate is a free, six-week class taught in the Teaching Kitchen at the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank by Becky, Nutrition Education Coordinator. Each week, participants follow a guided recipe, practice cooking skills, and learn helpful tips to incorporate nutrition.

Paula, their mother, first discovered Pantry to Plate through a local Facebook group for homeschooling moms and decided to see if it’s something she and her three sons would enjoy.

After attending two Pantry to Plate classes last year, they are eager to learn from Becky for a third time.

“We learn so many new things each time we take the class,” Paula says. “She’s great at teaching regardless of what previous knowledge of cooking and nutrition you have.”

Pantry to Plate has not only introduced healthy new recipes to Paula and her sons, but a strong foundation for understanding nutrition

“My boys and I have learned new recipes, but we’ve also learned so much about nutrition,” Paula says. “They go grocery shopping with me and now know how to read the nutrition labels and ingredients of what we buy…They not only help with meal ideas, but they now want to be a part of cooking it,” she says.

Paula appreciates the hands-on experience Pantry to Plate offers as it has sparked her boys’ interest in healthy eating.

“We’ve made things in Pantry to Plate that they’ve loved, but I know they wouldn’t have if I had just served it to them for dinner. It really makes a difference for them to make their meal from start to finish and understand why what they’re having is good for them.”

Paula wants her children to have a strong foundation for nutrition as they grow older and values how Becky has made the class engaging and fun.

“My kids love coming to the classes and they love Miss Becky.”

Pantry to Plate classes are posted on the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and registration is required.

Agency Spotlight: GRUB

Every Tuesday, First Christian Church in Rogers distributes food to neighbors through their GRUB Food Pantry.

GRUB, an acronym for God Relies Upon Brotherhood, is open every Tuesday from 9 a.m. - noon and is run entirely by volunteers.

Serving the community for twenty years, GRUB Food Pantry began in 2005 by Jack and Sue McConnell.

The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank supplies food to GRUB food pantry, one of 110+ agency partners across the region.

“That’s always been the mission - to provide food for people,” said Rita, Acting Director of GRUB Food Pantry.

As cars arrive, a volunteer places numbered sticky notes on each windshield to keep track of the order of arrival. Another volunteer then goes to each car and uses a walkie-talkie to communicate the name of the person picking up food. Volunteers inside the church stationed at computers verify the name in their system, then a volunteer delivers the food directly to the neighbor’s vehicle.

First time visitors will need to go inside to provide their ID and enter their name in the system.

“If they do need to come in, we’ll bring them in and have them fill out a paper form. We’ll just talk to them…If they’re nervous, we remind them it’s no big deal. Sometimes, everyone needs a little help. We try to make them feel comfortable,” said Rita.

Rita says GRUB Food Pantry receives diapers donated by a couple from the church and will provide them to parents of young children.

“We like listening to hear what their story is, sometimes you find there’s maybe something extra they need. We will provide diapers if we hear they have a small child.”

GRUB Food Pantry is located at 905 South 13 th Street in Rogers and can be contacted at 479- 636-2230.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT February 2026

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:43:00 GMT

Letter From Our President & CEO – February 2026

Winter has a way of narrowing your focus. When temperatures drop, the margin for error gets smaller. Heating bills climb. Groceries stretch less. For many of our neighbors, this season brings very difficult choices. Do I keep the house warm or buy food? Do I refill a prescription or fill the fridge? These are not abstract trade-offs. They are real decisions families across Northwest Arkansas are making every day.
Recently, I had a small glimpse of how quickly life can feel overwhelming. During last week’s winter storm, my three girls were home due to school closures while I was still trying to work. The days felt long and heavy. Even with support, it was hard to keep everything balanced. That experience gave me a deeper appreciation for how quickly disruption and difficult choices can stack up, especially when resources are already stretched.
Experiences like that are a reminder of how important consistency is, especially during times of disruption. That consistency is something I see every day in our Club 100 volunteers. Club 100 recognizes volunteers who give more than 100 hours of service in a year through our Volunteer Center, Mobile Pantry, and Feed Rogers. Last year, 39 volunteers reached that milestone, contributing more than 7,000 hours of service. Seventeen people joined this group for the first time. That level of commitment is remarkable. When I see these volunteers in the building, or out in the community, loading boxes and serving neighbors, I know the work is getting done. I know families are being fed. Their presence brings steadiness and confidence, and it matters more than they may ever realize.
At the same time, many of our neighbors are navigating changes to SNAP. SNAP remains a critical support for working families, seniors, and individuals trying to stay on their feet. As requirements shift and eligibility becomes more limited, some households will face new barriers to consistent access to food. When that happens, the need does not disappear. It shows up at food pantries, mobile distributions, and partner agencies across our region.
Through it all, our role remains clear. We work every day to provide access to food for all neighbors who need it, because we believe food is the foundation.
Taylor Speegle President/CEO Northwest Arkansas Food Bank

Neighbor story: Pamela

Photo representative of neighbor. Courtesy of Canva.

When Pamela found herself going through a difficult time, she found Feed Rogers as a beacon of hope, knowing she would have access to food.
Feed Rogers is a free client-choice pantry located in downtown Rogers and operated by the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank staff that allows neighbors to select their own food, rather than receiving a pre-packed box of groceries.
Pamela is grateful to the staff at Feed Rogers and wide variety of items available for her to shop.
“It’s been just a pleasant place. I came in one month to get a few extra things to fill up my pantry - things I need and some extras that I wouldn’t normally be able to afford. I spent years donating to food banks, but I was just badly off one month and stopped in. I’ve never had to do this in my life before, but doing it has just been a pleasure because everybody is so sweet.”
We know that anyone can experience food insecurity, and welcome all to our center. Our top priority is to create an environment where neighbors feel safe and that they are treated with dignity and respect by staff and volunteers.
Pamela is grateful for how welcoming everyone at Feed Rogers was to her during a tough time.
“You guys were just so sweet. People here are willing to help if you need something and make a pleasant day out of it.”
Feed Rogers allows one visit monthly and is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 479-408-4393.
To make a one-time donation to support neighbors like Pamela, visit https://nwafoodbank.givecloud.co/donatetoday .

Welcome new members to our Board of Directors!

“We are pleased to welcome our new board members and thankful for their willingness to serve alongside us as we work to fight hunger across Northwest Arkansas.”
Taylor Speegle
President/CEO

FOOD FOR THOUGHT January 2026

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Letter From Our President & CEO – January 2025

Gratitude has a way of sharpening focus. Lately, I find myself full of gratitude. I feel it each morning as I walk into the Claude and Betty Harris Center for Hunger Relief. I am grateful for a community that shows up again and again, for a dedicated and hardworking staff, and the opportunity to lead and grow an organization that plays such a vital role in the health and well-being of our region. I am also deeply grateful for Kent’s leadership and mentorship, and for the strong foundation he built during his time at the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. I was born and raised in Northwest Arkansas, and this community is home in every sense of the word. My wife, Jill, and I are raising our three daughters here, which only deepens my commitment to ensuring our region is a place where every family has the opportunity to thrive. As I step into this role, my hope is simple and unwavering: that together, we build a food bank that is strong enough, trusted enough, and prepared enough to meet the growing need in our community with dignity and resolve.
As we enter a new year, our direction is set. We are advancing the 2030 Strategic Plan with intention and urgency. Our vision for this work centers on reliable access to food, strong partnerships across all four counties, and operational excellence so we can meet immediate needs while building long-term resilience. The 95,000 neighbors we serve are counting on us, and that responsibility guides every decision we make.
Anyone who has experienced true hunger knows how consuming it can be. That constant, painful, empty feeling leaves little room for anything else. It makes it hard for a child to focus in school, for an adult to stay clear-headed at work, or for a senior to be fully present in daily life. Your support of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank does far more than provide a meal. Food restores focus. It creates stability. It gives people the chance to learn, work, and live with dignity. Food is the foundation. This work is urgent, and you are essential to its success. Thank you for standing with us and for your continued commitment to feeding Northwest Arkansas.

Taylor Speegle President/CEO Northwest Arkansas Food Bank

Neighbor story: Michael, Feed Rogers

Photo representative of neighbor. Courtesy of Canva.

Feed Rogers, located in downtown Rogers and operated by the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank staff, is a free client-choice pantry that allows neighbors to select their own food, rather than receiving a pre-packed box of groceries.
While shopping at Feed Rogers, Michael enjoys looking for protein sources. He loves cooking a variety of meals and says he especially appreciates being able to restock his protein options.
“The ground turkey and chicken are so good for me because I am not allowed red meat on my diet, so this really helps.”
Michael appreciates how friendly and helpful the staff are, especially Rosario, the manager at Feed Rogers.
“Rosie is special. She has been beyond helpful and polite. She is a good person and she’s super.”
Michael visits Feed Rogers each month and says they do an excellent job keeping things stocked. He has been shopping at Feed Rogers since they opened in 2022 and can always find what he needs.
Feed Rogers allows one visit monthly and is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 479-408-4393.
To make a one-time donation to support programs like Feed Rogers, visit https://nwafoodbank.givecloud.co/donatetoday.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT December 2025

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:37:00 GMT

Letter From Our President & CEO – December 2025

Earlier today, I looked in my files and read my first Newsletter column, which appeared in January 2016. I admit I got a little sentimental thinking about the past ten years, but time marches on! Last June, when I informed the Board of Directors of my decision to retire, this date seemed far away, but much like the last ten years, the pages on the calendar have flown by. I guess that happens when you truly love what you do.
As much as I hate to say this, the number of food-insecure neighbors in Northwest Arkansas is not going to decrease. Even as hard as we have worked over the past ten years, increasing the amount of food we distributed and the number of people we served, that number continues to grow. You’ve heard me say it many times before: food insecurity is a mathematical problem. Thousands of our hard-working neighbors simply do not make enough money to live on, let alone live comfortably without the aid of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. Just as those neighbors could not survive without the Food Bank, the Food Bank could not survive without the generous support of the Northwest Arkansas community. And for that support, I will be eternally grateful.
It’s no secret that I have said many times that I feel like God called me to the Food Bank. It’s no secret that I believe he has had a hand in the levels we have achieved since January 1, 2016. The past ten years have been the pinnacle of my working career. I have been blessed to have a job that allows me to come to work every day and make a difference in someone’s life. I’m truly going out on top.
In closing, I want to focus on the future. That future is in the hands of a team of dedicated individuals who don’t just come to work but live the mission. I couldn’t be prouder of the legacy of the staff, most of whom I have hired over the years. I’m especially proud of my successor and honored to turn the keys over to Taylor Speegle, who will continue to focus on continual improvement, being better today than we were yesterday, with eyes toward the future and what needs to be done to support the thousands of friends and family who need our help. Currently, the plan is for me to stay on for at least three months in an advisory role and work on some special projects that need to be done, but nobody has time for them. So just because my title and responsibilities will change, my passion for the work the Food Bank does will not. What happens after March remains to be seen.
Before I get too weepy-eyed, I’ll close with my invitation to tour the Food Bank if you haven’t seen it. You will be impressed with what the community has done for future generations. I guess there is nothing left to say other than “Because of you, someone will eat today.”
K

Neighbor story: Ty, Grace Chapel Food Pantry

Photo representative of neighbor. Courtesy of Canva.

“It takes a village to raise a child” is not only about offering help to our neighbors. It’s the courage to accept help when we need it, too.
When Ty turned to his kids’ school counselor for resources, she connected him with Grace Chapel Food Pantry in Rogers. At the food pantry, Ty found both food for his family and caring relationships.
“Anyone who walks through the door is welcome,” Ty said. “They’re doing their best to understand your situation without prying, so they can offer you the best things. When they ask you questions like, ‘Do you have kids?’ it’s not prying. They might ask, ‘Are they in diapers?’ because they are looking to be as helpful as possible.”
When you enter Grace Chapel, volunteers will greet you and guide you through the check-in process. Your kids are welcome to play and read in the kids’ area near the pantry shelves, so you can walk through the pantry independently. Volunteers will assist you as you choose the food and personal care items that you want from the shelves.
For Ty, this meant picking up his kids’ favorite ravioli, along with chicken and beef to plan meals for the week. He likes the client-choice model because it’s quick and easy for everyone.
“If you’re worried about language being a barrier, it’s very much a point-and-pick system,” Ty said. “You don’t have to have a conversation with these people about your life or anything. You don’t have to know the name of what you are getting. You can just see it, point to it, and go.”
Ty knows it can be hard to walk through the food pantry door for the first time. He encourages others to take the first step because the community is ready to offer support.
“There are no strings attached,” he said. “Nobody’s asking you to come to church on Sunday. Nobody is asking you to do this, that, or the other. They are just here to give and offer, and that’s been just fabulous.”
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank supplies food to Grace Chapel Food Pantry, one of 110+ agency partners across NWA.
Grace Chapel’s food pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Neighbors can visit the pantry each month. A photo ID is required for check-in. They are located at 1801 S. Dixieland Rd., and they can be contacted at 479-636-7045.
To support families like Ty's with a one-time donation, visit www.nwafoodbank.org/donate-online.

Agency Partner Spotlight: H2O Food Pantry

For Amy, the director of H2O Food Panty in Centerton, helping others is what community is all about.
H2O Food Pantry serves an average of 80 households a week, not only from Centerton but also from surrounding areas, including Gentry and Bella Vista.
Amy said the food pantry thrives on community support, including from local businesses, fellow churches, and Centerton’s mayor. They all aim to combat food insecurity and ensure that households have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
“People can come any time, whenever they need,” Amy said, emphasizing that there are no qualifications to receive help with food.
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank supplies food to H2O Food Pantry, one of 110+ agency partners across Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties.
Along with distributing meat, produce, bread, and shelf-stable foods like canned vegetables, rice, and beans, the pantry volunteers also hope to feed a person’s heart.
“It’s one of our important goals,” Amy said. “They need something even more important than food, and that is love, connection, and respect.” H2O Food Pantry is open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Living Waters Methodist Church, 424 N. Main St. in Centerton. You are welcome to visit weekly or as often as needed. They can be reached at 479-644-7598.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT November 2025

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:30:00 GMT

Letter From Our President & CEO – November 2025

The holidays are just around the corner. It is regularly documented about increased stress around the holidays. There are many reasons for this: cooler weather, higher utilities, seasonal jobs such as landscaping slow down, even the fact that we leave for work in the dark and go home in the dark has an impact on each of us. Yes, stress impacts all those around us. This year, added to those annual factors is the government shutdown and its impact on SNAP and other benefit services. Our food insecure neighbors need help. Our role is to help reduce that stress by putting food in local pantries who in turn distribute it to those in need. In order for us to do that we need your help. The fourth quarter is critical for our continued success. Year-end giving helps support us through the lean first quarter of the year. If I may be so bold as to ask, this year if you consider an extra donation which can address the increased need because of the shutdown while still setting us up for success during the winter months, I, along with the neighbors we serve, would greatly appreciate it. +++++ Another event that is just around the corner is my birthday. Now, I have had enough of these annual occurrences to view it as just another day, so I try not to get overly excited. But this year is a little bit different. The 40/29 Turkey Drive has been moved up a week to November 14 rather than the Friday before Thanksgiving like it has been in the past. This will give us an opportunity to collect birds and get them distributed to be part of a Thanksgiving meal for our neighbors in need. If you don’t have early morning plans, I invite you to stop by the Pleasant Grove Walmart, meet some of the 40/29 on air talent, and catch me in the Tom Turkey suit for perhaps the last time. +++++ I know this month’s column is short, and I hope you will forgive me for my brevity. I’ve had a bit of a challenge getting my mind focused on what I want to say without focusing on the challenges we have faced the last thirty-plus days, so I am going to close now, but invite you to look elsewhere in this newsletter to see our public release of the 2030 strategic plan. As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, your Northwest Arkansas Food Bank has to continue to grow to keep up with the growing demand. This plan positions us to do so. +++++ Thank you all for your continued support. Because of you, someone will eat today
K

Neighbor story: Allen, Grace Chapel Food Pantry

Photo representative of neighbor. Courtesy of Canva.

Allen has an unbreakable bond with his dog, Lady. He discovered her as an abandoned pup in a public park restroom, and he nursed her back to health. The pair have stuck together through dire circumstances – living in Allen’s van, searching for help with food, and losing Allen’s first dog, Lobo, unexpectedly.
“I look at Lady as a gift from God,” he said with tears in his eyes.
When Allen first came to Grace Chapel’s Food Pantry in Rogers, he found a warm welcome and resources for the two of them. The pantry distributes a wide variety of human food and gives out dog food as well.
While Allen visits the food pantry, Lady lies and waits patiently. Her ears perk up when he returns with bags of groceries, including cooked chicken.
Allen says that Grace Chapel is his favorite place to visit because of the client-choice setup, where he can choose what he wants directly from the shelves. He easily finds food he can cook on his stovetop, and doesn’t have to worry about receiving food he can’t use or store in his van. Most importantly, he can choose items that meet his medical needs and avoid food allergies.
“A lot of the pantries just want to bag it all up, and you take it all,” he said. “Well, it’s all spaghetti and spaghetti sauce. But here you can choose and it’s a lot less wasteful.”
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank supplies food to Grace Chapel’s Food Pantry, one of 110+ agency partners across NWA.
Grace Chapel’s food pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Neighbors can visit the pantry each month. A photo ID is required for check-in. They are located at 1801 S. Dixieland Rd., and they can be contacted at 479-636-7045.
To support neighbors like Allen with a one-time donation, visit www.nwafoodbank.org/donate-online.

Agency Partner Spotlight: Second Street Food Pantry

When you first drive up to the Second Street Food Pantry in Bentonville, you’ll receive a warm welcome from their volunteer crew. They seek to create a space where anyone feels welcome and knows they will be cared for, regardless of their circumstances. “We started in 2011, and there was a group of ladies from the church who saw a need,” said Barb, president of the food pantry. “They started the pantry and would go out to the stores and buy food. It’s evolved to the point that we give out about 300 bags a week.”
The pantry has a wide range of volunteers who help with distributions, including high school students, retired students and fellow churches. It’s a community effort that unites everyone to meet the needs of our neighbors.
During its weekly distributions, the pantry gives out bags with fresh produce, frozen meat, a variety of shelf-stable foods, snacks and more.
Different Tuesdays also include a special giveaway of personal care items. Diapers from the Diaper Collective are distributed on the first Tuesday of the month. Bombas socks are distributed on the second Tuesday. On the final Tuesday of the month, they distribute hygiene items like toilet paper and paper towels.
The church and food pantry also provide financial support for emergency situations on a case- by-case basis for households in Bentonville, Rogers, Centerton and Bella Vista.
JoAnn, who does procurement and food planning for the pantry, intentionally seeks out culturally-appropriate food to meet the needs of different households. She was inspired to help others from her family’s experience as immigrants from the Netherlands.
“We were the family that people left groceries on our doorstep because we didn’t have enough food,” she said.
Volunteers also make food bags for unhoused neighbors that include items like pop-tab canned goods, shelf-stable fruit cups and other items, depending on what food storage and cooking capabilities they have.
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank supplies food to Second Street Food Pantry, one of 110+ agency partners across Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties.
Second Street Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays from 12:00 to 5:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 201 NW 2nd St. in Bentonville. You can visit this pantry weekly, and there are no qualifications for food assistance. They can be reached at 479-273-9210.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT October 2025

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 21:45:00 GMT

Letter From Our President & CEO – October 2025

Well another Hunger Action Month has come and gone. My orange shirts are back in the closet, the orange light bulb in my yard light has been changed back out and hopefully more people in northwest Arkansas know about our mission. Our staff participated in a Hunger Action Month Bingo game where they competed for prizes and had the opportunity to earn an extra day of PTO. Everything we do during September, both internally and externally, is designed to bring awareness to what our mission. I hope you found some ways to participate and I encourage you to share photos so we can continue to build a portfolio of different participatory activities.
Did you know that TEFAP (USDA commodity foods) make up between 15 and 18% of the total food we distribute? While I am grateful for TEFAP, I am also grateful that it doesn’t constitute a larger percentage of what we share with our neighbors in need. By contrast, there are Food Banks in the Feeding America network that over half of what they distribute is TEFAP. That puts them at a much higher risk when the Federal Government makes changes to the policies.
Speaking of Federal Government changes, hardly a day goes by that I am not asked by a member of the media how the changes in Washington are impacting us. Unlike many great organizations that help make Northwest Arkansas a better place to live, we do not receive any government funding so cut backs do not directly impact our operating funds. As I referenced above, the amount of TEFAP Food, while important to our neighbors is an amount that we can make up with purchase product if necessary. Changes to SNAP will go into effect in October of 2027 so how that will impact us remains to be seen. However, the current Government shutdown could have an immediate effect on those who receive SNAP benefits and WIC benefits. So indirectly, the Government shutdown might have an impact on the Food Bank. It is important to note that we are committed to not letting our neighbors suffer. With your help we can weather this political storm just as we weathered the tornado of 2024, and weathered economic swings since 1988. Thank you to all the supporters who have asked if we need additional financial support during this time. The older I get the faster the pages on my calendar fly by. I cannot believe October is here already. I like fall. I like the crisp air. I like that it doesn’t get really hot. I like that it doesn’t get really cold. I like that the pollen that is present in the spring isn’t present in the fall. I could go on and on but you get the picture. I also like fall because it is the start of the 4 th quarter. In football all the players always hold up four fingers at the end of the third quarter. The miler picks up the pace when he or she starts the fourth lap. Most retailers do the majority of their business in the fourth quarter. We are blessed with more donors during the fourth quarter of the year. People who support our mission and step up to make sure our neighbors in need are taken care of. What I don’t like about the fourth quarter is that our neighbors in need experience additional financial pressure, therefore making it harder for them to put a nutritious meal on the table. This year in particular we need all of you who make year end donations to be sure to remember the Food Bank once again. The pressure is on us to provide nourishing food to more and more people every day. We cannot provide the food they need without your help. It’s that simple. So on behalf of the growing number of Food insecure neighbors in Northwest Arkansas let me say thank you and Because of you, someone will eat today.
K

Photo credit Justin Froning- Celebrate Arkansas Magazine

Neighbor story: Marion, Feed Rogers

Marion likes visiting Feed Rogers, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank’s client-choice pantry, because the options make it easier to meal plan.
Walking through the aisles, she can choose items to create full meals, including pasta, rice, produce, bread and frozen meat. She also picks up groceries for her siblings who are unable to drive to the pantry.
One of her favorite things to add to her cart is a frozen Cornish hen. These hens are purchased at a reduced price from Tyson and processed in the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank’s Protein Repack Room at the food bank’s facility in Lowell.
“I like to broil it, boil it in a pot, put it in soup, a chicken pot pie, or use it as a whole chicken,” Marion said. “It’s absolutely been helpful.”
With a variety of options at Feed Rogers, Marion can cook meals that meet her health needs. “I’m trying to not eat as much red meat,” she said. “With the chicken, I can make more variety and watch my health and cholesterol.”
Feed Rogers is a client-choice pantry serving anyone in need in Northwest Arkansas. To schedule your appointment, please visit www.nwafoodbank.org/feedrogers.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT September 2025

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:02:00 GMT

Letter From Our President & CEO – September 2025

September is Hunger Action Month. It’s time to resume my annual quest of wearing orange every working day of September. I have had several folks ask me why I established my “orange challenge.” To restate, orange is the color representing food insecurity. Our Northwest Arkansas Food Bank logo, “No Kids Hungry”, The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and Feeding America all have orange as an integral color. Any opportunity I get to bring attention to the need is a success. Monetary donations help pay the bills. Money helps put food on the tables of those in need. Advocacy is equally as important. Too many people are hungry and too few people realize the need is a great as it is. I have been proud to wear orange every day in past Septembers, and I am looking forward to putting my orange on. I even have some new orange shirts to add to the rotation. I invite you to accept this as my challenge to you to wear orange also. Please snap a selfie of you in orange attire and email it to me at kent@nwafoodbank.org and I will share it on our social media platforms. Well, technically I will have Julie share the photos.
At our last Board of Directors meeting, our 2030 Strategic Plan was approved. It is important for our organization, as well as all others, to look forward and plan for the future. I’m really proud of the work that our team, especially Taylor Speegle, put into this plan. I don’t want to delve to deeply into the new plan at this point, but do want to tease your interest. When the plan is released in its entirety in November, you can expect to see actions we will be taking to ensure our mission of helping food insecure neighbors is accomplished through stronger partnerships, a stronger staff, more advocacy, education and, not the least of which, using the Claude and Betty Harris Center for Hunger Relief to its full capacity.
I want to bring to your attention an announcement elsewhere in this newsletter about the Flavor of Giving event, October 9. After over a decade of a Gala type event, we are repurposing our Jewels of Giving Gala to a more casual event. It will still be a celebration of sorts for what we have accomplished this past year with an eye toward the future. I hope you can join us. Well, that about wraps it up for this edition. I continue to marvel at the support of the community. We could not do what we do without you all. When I talk to peers across the nation who are worried about the future of their food bank, I am so grateful for each and every one of you who support us through monetary donations, volunteerism, advocacy or a simple thank you. You make it easier for us. Because of you, someone will eat today.

Protein Pack Room Hits Major Milestone!

Congratulations to our Protein Pack Room staff on processing ONE MILLION POUNDS of protein!
Every day, this team processes bulk protein donated by Tyson Foods, repacking thousands of pounds into household-sized packages under rigorous food safety standards. These packages are sent out to our Agency Partners, who distribute them to families in need.
This protein is also shipped out to our partner Feeding America food banks across the United States.
Thank you and congratulations to our team for hitting this incredible milestone. We're so grateful for your dedication to fighting hunger in NWA and across the nation.

Neighbor story: Jené and Debra,

Pantry-to-Plate classes

When Debra came across a social media post about Pantry-to-Plate free cooking classes, she quickly reached out to her friend Jené. It would be the perfect opportunity to catch up and enjoy good food together.
“I signed us up, so we could do it together as friends,” Debra said.
“It’s been wonderful, absolutely. I’ve enjoyed every day,” Jené said.
Pantry-to-Plate classes are open to anyone in Northwest Arkansas and are led by Becky, the Food Bank’s nutrition education coordinator, in the Teaching Kitchen.
The class created a variety of recipes, including lentil and veggie soup and pineapple fried rice.
“They’ve all been wonderful,” Debra said. “They’re easy to cook. That’s what I like about it. You can go home and quickly make this. You don’t have to have an hour. You can have like 30 minutes and have a great meal.”
In another workshop, the participants made pasta salad and pesto ranch with basil grown in the Teaching Garden.
“We walked out there, we picked our basil, and made the pesto,” Debra said. “Oh my goodness gracious, it was so delicious!”
Along with making the recipes in class, participants learn nutrition tips and tricks to incorporate into their daily lives. Jené and Debra enjoyed the lessons on reading nutrition labels and safe food storage.
“After we cook, we get to eat, and then we get to learn more about the ingredients and how to read ingredient labels,” Debra said. “The education part is a great added component.”
Jené is already recommending the class to other people. They both want to attend future classes in the Teaching Kitchen.
“I’m so sorry it’s over because it was our weekly outing together,” Jené said. “I’ve enjoyed being with all the women in this group. It’s been fun to meet them and get to visit with them.”
For information on future cooking and nutrition classes, follow the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank’s Facebook page.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT August 2025

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Letter From Our President & CEO – August 2025

This month’s newsletter column will be a little different than the previous 100+ I have written. Instead of a number of random short reflections, this will actually take the form of a letter. I wish I could address and send to each of you individually because each individual reading this has touched my life in a different way over the past few years.
After years of answering the “When are you going to retire?” question with the answer, “I’m not ready,” the answer has changed to “sometime in the second quarter of 2026.” That’s right, the wheels are in motion to find my successor. In fact, you may have already seen the job posting or read the news release. While this is an unchartered time of my life, it is one that I face without trepidation. I know Diana and I are prepared for this stage of my life but, more importantly, I know the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is prepared for life after Kent.
It has truly been my honor to serve the Northwest Arkansas community as President/CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. I cannot think of a better way to finish my career. I began working for a paycheck in 1967 when I was 13 years old and have worked continuously since. But never has a job made me feel more complete than the past ten years. The job isn’t done yet. In fact, I fear the job will never be done. When I started this role in 2016, I had every intention of eliminating hunger in Northwest Arkansas. Unfortunately, even as hard as we have all worked, eliminating hunger is an unachievable goal. You see, there are too many factors that cause food insecurity that we at the Food Bank have no control over. To me, a more realistic goal is that everyone who is food insecure has reasonable access to the food they need. I strongly believe we are well on our way to achieving this goal.
I cannot begin to thank the community enough for supporting me. Collectively, you all have been there when I needed advice. You’ve been there when we needed financial support, answering the call to not only help with operational expenses, but also to construct the Claude and Betty Harris Center for Hunger Relief, which opened in 2024 without a mortgage. You’ve been there when I needed volunteers. You’ve been there when I needed advocates. You’ve been there when I simply needed a smile, a hug, or a prayer.
Our succession plan calls for the President/CEO to give “sufficient notice” in order to recruit a successor. I’m confident that over the next few months, I can and will work closely with the Board of Directors to recruit and develop the next leader to take the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to the next level of service to our neighbors in need.
May God continue to bless Northwest Arkansas and the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank with associates who view our role as a mission, not just a job. In closing, let me remind you that “Because of you, someone will eat today.”

Neighbor story: Lu Grace Chapel Food Pantry (Rogers)

Photo is representative of neighbor. Courtesy of Pexels.

While driving through Rogers, Lu spotted a food pantry sign outside Grace Chapel.
The sign caught her eye for a reason, yet her hesitation grew. She was unsure if she should go, even though money was tight.
“I had never, ever taken donations, you know,” Lu said. “I was always used to giving. I was raised on ‘It’s better to give than to get.’”
Lu spent 35 years working in the food industry and regularly donated to local charities. A cancer diagnosis changed her life. Now, her income comes only from disability benefits. She also started caring for one of her granddaughters on her own.
When she visited Grace Food Pantry for the first time, she said she “felt strange because I felt maybe I shouldn’t do it. But it was hard for me to make ends meet, so that’s the reason I did.”
Lu’s anxieties vanished when the food pantry volunteers warmly greeted her. They guided her through the client-choice pantry. She could choose the food and personal care items she wanted straight from the shelves.
Along with shelf-stable food, Lu was excited to see fresh fruits and vegetables. She also looked through an assortment of free books.
“I thank God every day for places like this that help people, because life is getting harder and harder,” Lu said. “Even if you really try to so-called ‘pinch your pennies,’ it’s hard to make it. I’m very thankful I have a place to come that will help me.”
Grace Chapel’s food pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Neighbors can visit the pantry each month. A photo ID is required for check-in. They are located at 1801 S. Dixieland Rd., and they can be contacted at 479-636-7045.
To support families like Lu's with a one-time donation, visit www.nwafoodbank.org/donate-online.

C ome Volunteer with Us!

We love our volunteers and would love to have YOU come and volunteer with us! We have a variety of opportunities that will fit your schedule. Simply visit www.nwafoodbank.org/volutneer to find a day and time that will work best for you and register online. We look forward to having you!

Meet one of our OUTSTANDING volunteers!

Exciting Volunteer Opportunity!

The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G LPGA event is looking for a few more volunteers to work this year’s BITE event. This tournament is a huge supporter of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and generously gives back to us each and every year. In return, we try to help them fill their volunteer shifts. They are in need of volunteers for the following shifts at BITE :

September 20th - Saturday afternoon (1:00pm-5:00pm) – 6 openings
September 21st - Sunday morning (10:00am-1:00pm) – 4 openings
September 21st - Sunday afternoon (1:00pm-5:00pm) – 10 openings

If you are interested in volunteering, please visit: www.nwachampionship.com and use the code FB25 at registration.

Agency Partner Spotlight: Grace Chapel Food Pantry (Rogers)

It’s a new morning at Grace Chapel Food Pantry, where volunteers are preparing to serve their neighbors.
Before the doors open, volunteers stock the shelves with food, lay out tables with information on community resources, and reorganize toys in the play area for kids so their parents or guardians can walk through the food pantry independently.
The food pantry at Grace Chapel, formerly Grace United Methodist Church, has been in operation for over 20 years.
“The only reason we’re able to keep going is because we’re the conglomerate of three churches: First Church Downtown Rogers, Central Methodist on New Hope, and Grace Chapel,” said Richard, the food pantry manager.
As you enter Grace Chapel, a volunteer will greet you and give you a number. You will then go to the check-in desk to register. When your number is called, a volunteer will bring you a shopping cart and assist you as you choose the food and hygiene items you want. The pantry has a wide variety, including frozen meat, loaves of bread, fruit, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products, and diapers from the Diaper Collective.
Richard has heard many stories from visitors about the pantry’s impact on the community.
“A lot of people come in and say that they’re treated with dignity,” Richard said. “That’s on the (volunteer) group for Tuesdays and Thursdays that deal directly with the people. It’s an amazing group of people.”
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank supplies food to Grace Chapel Food Pantry, one of 110+ agency partners across NWA.
“We’re grateful that the Food Bank is here and helps us out,” Richard said. “The programs they offer are very beneficial.”
No matter your circumstances, Grace Chapel Food Pantry is here to help guide you.
“We try to reassure them that they’re welcome here and that the process is painless,” Richard said.
Grace Chapel Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at 1801 S. Dixieland in Rogers. You are welcome to visit once a month, and there are no qualifications other than a photo ID at check-in. Grace Chapel can be reached at 479-636-7045.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT July 2025

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:58:00 GMT

Letter From Our President & CEO – July 2025

Diana says that I am always working. While that might not be totally true, at least I am almost always thinking about work. This was apparent last weekend when we were checking into our hotel in New York City. It was our first trip to the city and we were eager to start seeing the sites. But as we were walking to the elevator, I spotted a sign listing all the opportunities guests had to help the hotel staff support those who suffer from food insecurity. Needless to say, I stopped to shoot a picture before going up to our room and setting out as tourists. So yes, I must confess, finding new ways to communicate our message or new ways to serve our neighbors in need are always on my mind. I’m always on the hunt for an idea we can adapt to our service area. However, I’m not too proud to accept help. Your challenge is to share ideas that you come across with me as you see them. You might just find that silver bullet that we need. +++++ In June we celebrated a year in the new facility. To say it has flown by would be an understatement. Like with any new construction, there have been challenges, but for the most part the building has done all that was expected of it and more. It is a tool in the fight against food insecurity which causes us to continually assess procedures and look for ways to be more efficient. I believe we will continue to find ways the building can help us move more food out to our agency partners and ultimately into the hands of those who need it. If you haven’t had a chance to come by and see YOUR Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, I encourage you to come by and take a tour. You will be impressed by what you see and might even be motivated to sign up for a volunteer shift. +++++ Do you remember a few weeks ago when everyone was wishing it would stop being so chilly and rainy? It’s stopped! Please take a few moments each day and check on your friends and neighbors to make sure they are alright. There have already been several people die because of heat related issues across the country and it’s only going to get hotter in the upcoming weeks. It’s also important that while you check on folks, that you make sure they are staying hydrated and even though they might not have much of an appetite, make sure they are eating. If they don’t have anything to eat, check out our website, nwafoodbank.org to find the nearest pantry. +++++ Things change! Every day we are facing new challenges in our fight against food insecurity. We have to adapt and change with them. Please accept this as my promise to the entire Northwest Arkansas community that we will continue to change as necessary to achieve one of my primary goals in life…to be better today than I was yesterday, but better yet tomorrow. Repeating what I said above, you can help us be better by sharing ideas that either you have or you have seen be successful somewhere else. Many people have claimed to author this statement but regardless of who said it first, it rings true, “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets credit.” +++++ Have a great month and remember “Because of you, someone will eat today!”
K

Neighbor story: Emilee, Order Ahead

Photo is representative of neighbor. Courtesy of Canva.

When Emilee discovered a free and easy way to order groceries online, she was elated.
All she had to do was visit www.orderahead.org and enter her zip code, select the participating food pantry closest to her in Lowell. Then she could choose the food that worked best for her family and schedule a time to pick up her order.
“The produce is always nice,” Emilee said. “I’m always excited about the protein because it changes, and I can switch up what we eat.”
Order Ahead is a Northwest Arkansas Food Bank program hosted by select Agency Partners. For most participating locations, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank packs each order and delivers them to the food pantry location for pick-up.
“Everything is perfect and goes smoothly,” she said. “Especially with having a baby, it’s easier to drive through, get the food, and go.”
To find a participating Order Ahead location near you and place your free online order for groceries, please visit www.orderahead.org and enter your zip code.
To make a one-time donation to support families like Emilee’s, visit www.nwafoodbank.org/donate .

Agency Partner Spotlight: St. Andrew’s Food Pantry (Rogers)

Food insecurity can impact anyone in our community – the worker stocking shelves at the store, the teacher educating students, the CNAs caring for our elders in nursing homes, and more. The need for help with food is more widespread than meets the eye.
“I don’t think that people realize how many people are hungry,” said Whitney, the assistant director of St. Andrew’s Food Pantry in Rogers. “I think they see how prosperous our area is, and we don’t take into consideration that not everybody is as prosperous.”
Feeding America estimates that over 89,000 people in Benton, Carroll, Madison and Washington counties experience food insecurity.
At St. Andrew’s Food Pantry, anyone in need is welcome to visit. Volunteers pack boxes with a variety of foods, including pasta, soups, juice, snacks and more.
The amount of food given depends on household size, and the volunteers work to adapt the food box based on the household’s circumstances and dietary restrictions.
They also distribute USDA commodities (for this program, you can only visit one location a month and you must meet qualifications based on income and household size).
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank supplies food to St. Andrew’s Food Pantry, one of 110+ agency partners across NWA.
“We really enjoy helping out, and we’re blessed to be here,” Whitney said.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 820 W. Oak St. in Rogers. For regular food assistance, you can visit the pantry as needed. For USDA commodities, you can visit once a month. St. Andrew’s can be reached at 479-633-1493.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT June 2025

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:57:00 GMT

Letter From Our President & CEO – June 2025

Can you believe that it’s been a year? Last June we moved into the Claude and Betty Harris Center for Hunger Relief. Located at 1604 Honeysuckle Street in Lowell, the new Food Bank building offers many amenities that will help us in our fight against food insecurity. In case you haven’t had a chance to tour YOUR Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, please indulge me as I point out some of the features it has:
The Walmart Volunteer Center:

Climate Controlled Room with 6,729 square feet
Check In/Breakroom with 480 square feet
Production Lines for Box Building with 6,000 square feet
Floor storage or staging for +/- 108 pallets
In the past year we have had over 5,000 individuals who combined for nearly 15,500 hours. We’ve also reinstituted family night.

The Willard and Pat Walker Community Room and Teaching Kitchen:

The Multi-purpose room is approximately 3,000 square feet
Fully Operational teaching kitchen with audio visual technology
Seating for up to 100 people based on the configuration
Separate entrance and restroom facilities
In the past year we have hosted at least 40 different events and approximately 1200 individuals.

The Tyson Foods Protein Pack Room:

Became fully operational in September 2024, and is producing an average of 40,000 pounds of family sized packages of protein a week.
1500 square feet of automated technology
USDA inspected to ensure the integrity of the food product
Tyson, Simmons and Cargill have all committed to support this endeavor, while conversations are ongoing with other area protein producers.

There is expanded dry storage, cold storage and freezer storage that will serve us well for at least the next 25 to 30 years and beyond. Our entire staff is housed under one roof. Every effort has been made to build this facility for each room to have multiple functions and with the projected population growth in mind.
I am extremely proud of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank building, but I am even prouder of the staff, the board of directors and the community who have banded together to make this possible. It is the community’s food bank, I am just fortunate enough to represent you all. Please come see us. We love to show it off.
Because of you, someone will eat today…………And tomorrow!
K

Neighbor Story: Margo, Pantry-to-Plate classes

For Margo, cooking is all about care and creativity. She loves to experiment with flavors and ingredients to test new combinations.
“When they say, ‘Season with the heart,’ I think you cook with the heart if you’re a good cook,” she said.
Margo’s friend Amy asked her to join her in the Pantry-to-Plate classes at the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.
Pantry-to-Plate classes are open to anyone in Northwest Arkansas and are led by Becky, the Food Bank’s nutrition education coordinator, in the Teaching Kitchen. Along with making the recipes in class, participants learn nutrition tips and tricks to incorporate into their daily lives.
The class created a variety of recipes including Veggie Pizza with Whole-Wheat Crust and Asian Noodles with Peanut Sauce, including broccoli, carrots, red cabbage and baby corn.
“I love it. I love Asian food to begin with,” Margo said. “I don’t normally eat peanut sauce except with spring rolls. This was easy to make, and it was delicious.”
She would recommend the classes to anyone interested in cooking, from beginners to pros. “Even if you think you know everything, Becky is going to teach you something.”
“It’s fun to cook as a group because we’ve only been here twice,” Margo said, “but we’ve met different people and talked about our own experiences with different recipes and ingredients.”
For information on future cooking and nutrition classes, follow the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank’s Facebook page.

2025 Cereal Drive is Here!

The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, along with the partners listed below, are hosting a Cereal Drive during the month of June. The Cereal Drive provides cereal and other non-perishable breakfast items that are kid-friendly to our neighbors here in Northwest Arkansas who might otherwise go without breakfast.
Harps Siloam Springs- 201 US-412 W, Siloam Springs, AR 72761 Harps Gentry- 300 S Gentry Blvd, Gentry, AR 72734 Harps Fayetteville- 1274 N Colorado Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704 10Box Springdale- 1101 S Thompson St #10box, Springdale, AR 72764 Asian Fresh Supermarket- 203 N Bloomington St, Lowell, AR 72745 Ozark Natural Foods- 380 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701 Allen’s Food Market- 60 Sugar Creek Center, Bella Vista, AR 72714 AKiN's Natural Foods- 4019 W Walnut St, Rogers, AR 72756
KNWA will also be hosting a special CEREAL DRIVE MEDIA DAY at the Walmart Supercenter on Pleasant Grove Road in Rogers on Friday, June 20th from 5:30am until 6pm.

Agency Partner Spotlight: Peace Lutheran Church, Rogers

A joy that can’t be contained goes beyond the walls of Peace Lutheran Food Pantry in Rogers. The volunteers’ positive attitudes and camaraderie radiate into every interaction with neighbors visiting the food pantry.
“We love what we do,” said Jan, a food pantry volunteer. “We love serving our community.”
This love is shared even in small moments, like when one of the volunteers grabbed a treat to surprise a little girl with her parents in line. The girl grinned widely as soon as she saw the juice boxes peeking out of the food bag.
Anyone in need is welcome to visit the drive-through pantry each week. Peace Lutheran uses a client-choice format, where visitors fill out a form to choose the food items they want. Volunteers take the completed form, fill bags with the selected items and bring the groceries outside to the neighbor.
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank supplies food to Peace Lutheran Church, an agency partner of the NWAFB.
“We are growing pretty steadily,” Jan said. “We get between four and eight new patrons every week.”
The pantry serves an average of 45 to 50 families a week, with some walking to the pantry from the surrounding neighborhoods and some traveling as far as Pea Ridge and Gravette.
“I think a lot of people are struggling, knowing the uncertainties,” said Pastor Melissa. She described how the church is intentional about serving the whole person, not just with the physical needs of food, hygiene items and clothing, but also with social connection.
“Our theme is neighbors helping neighbors,” she said.
Peace Lutheran Church Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at 805 W. Olrich St. in Rogers (except when Rogers Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather). Neighbors can visit the pantry each week, and there are no qualifications to receive assistance. They can be reached at 479-636-2140.

Northwest Arkansas Food Bank Receives Grant for Protein Pack Room Upgrades

Feeding America, Tyson Foods, and Cargill have worked together to award the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank a $200,000.00 grant to provide some upgrades to their Protein Pack Room.
“We are so grateful for the support of Tyson Foods and Cargill, Inc. provided through Feeding America.” said Kent Eikenberry, President/CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. “This grant allows us to purchase a piece of equipment, called the quick thaw unit, that will be a game changer in our Protein Pack Room by decreasing our preparation time significantly which will allow us to get much needed protein into the hands of our neighbors in need in a fraction of the time it takes now.”
The Protein Pack Room at the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is one of only thirteen in the Feeding America network of food banks to have this type of operation.
“We’re able to take product from suppliers that is packed in large packages, such as 40-pound boxes or 2,000-pound totes and repackage that product in more user- friendly sized packaging.” said Tim Owen, Director of Operations at the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. “This allows us to distribute a more usable product, with less waste, to people that need it.”
“The protein gap in our country and communities is a real thing.” says David Bentley, Food Safety Manager at the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. “With the Protein Pack Room, we can narrow that Gap by repacking bulk quantities of poultry products into family friendly size portions. We have Corporate donors such as Tyson Foods and Cargill, Inc. that help make this happen through monetary donations, donations of protein, and support.”
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is one of over 200 Partner Food Banks in the Feeding America network.

Thank You, Volunteers!

During the month of May we welcomed 645 volunteers who served a total of 2,038 hours volunteering with us. We would love to have YOU, too! To find a day and time that works with your schedule, please visit: www.nwafoodbank.org/volunteer.