FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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.
Come 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.
