As Arkansas families feel the effects of the ongoing federal government shutdown, state leaders are stepping in to make sure no one goes hungry. This week, the Arkansas Legislative Council chairs approved an emergency request from Governor Sanders to direct $500,000 in Restricted Reserve funds to food banks starting Monday, November 3^rd.

The funds will be divided among the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank in Springdale, the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas in Norfork, the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas in Jonesboro, the River Valley Regional Food Bank in Fort Smith, the Arkansas Foodbank in Little Rock and its branches in Lexa and Warren, and the Harvest Regional Food Bank in Texarkana. These organizations will each receive a portion of the funding to help ensure that food assistance remains available for families who need it most.

The Arkansas Legislative Council chairs will continue evaluating similar requests moving forward. The Council’s role is to act quickly on urgent funding matters between legislative sessions, helping the state respond when needs arise.

The request also encourages food banks to purchase Arkansas-grown and Arkansas-made products whenever possible, supporting local farmers, producers, and manufacturers while addressing hunger in our communities.

Arkansas’s food banks play an essential role in serving our communities, and their importance grows whenever families face uncertainty. Legislative leaders and state officials are working together to make sure these organizations have the support they need to meet this moment.

Anyone seeking food assistance or looking for ways to help, by volunteering or donating, can visit HelpArkansas.com for up-to-date resources and information. Arkansans who receive SNAP benefits or other nutrition assistance can also follow updates from the Department of Human Services at humanservices.arkansas.gov for the latest guidance.