The number of people suffering from hunger in Arkansas is on the rise, and now some leaders are actively working to change that and give more people access to fresh food.
PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. — Community leaders around Pulaski County need the community’s help to join the fight against food insecurity.
This comes after a year of reports showing Arkansas ranks No. 1 in food insecurity, with the number of hungry people continuing to rise.
Former Jacksonville resident Beulah Hubbard is working to rebuild three food pantries that were destroyed by a powerful EF-3 tornado that struck on March 31, 2023.
Hubbard said he set up three food pantries in Jacksonville several years ago to help the community get food nearby.
“I wanted to make sure everyone had food to eat. My passion is I love helping people,” Hubbard added.
Now Hubbard needs help, and out of the kindness of her heart, she has been looking for someone to help rebuild them.
“I have the materials, but now I need someone to give their hands, their talent and their time to make it for me,” Hubbard explained.
She has had health problems for many years and is not as active as she used to be, but she remains passionate about providing food to those who need it most.
“I want everyone to have a passion for loving and helping people, and in the communities where I first placed them, there are kids who are in dire need and need to be placed with them,” Hubbard said.
Of course, time is of the essence for Hubbert — not only for her, but for the Arkansas Food Bank, which sees an increase in food insecurity during the summer months.
“When you think about families, children, grandmothers not knowing where their next meal is coming from, it really shatters their sense of security, their self-esteem and their confidence,” said Brian Burton, CEO of the Arkansas Food Bank.
Burton explained that children are the ones most affected by food insecurity, which is where the center steps in to help.
“We offer a summer feeding program through local Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arkansas. We also have a summer EBT program through the Department of Agriculture where every child will receive $120 this summer to help with grocery shopping,” Burton added.
With people like Burton and Hubbard on the front lines of the fight to end the war on hunger, they believe the problem can be solved over time.
“We work every day to promote dignity and hope, and I believe everyone should do all they can to help solve a solvable problem like hunger, especially during the summer,” Burton said.
