If you will indulge me, I want to brag on the Food Bank staff today. Since early March when this whole mess started, the Food Bank staff has been on the front line working hard to make sure all who need food have access to it.

From taking temperatures when we report to work, to wearing masks and gloves, we’ve taken extra precautions. From packing boxes, bagging protein, monitoring which partner agencies are open, which are closed, to loading up our trucks for mobile pantries; each and every staff member has completed the task with a smile. They have rescheduled vacations, worked overtime, and pitched in wherever necessary without regard to “what’s in it for me.” I cannot be more proud of the team. Later this week, the governor will begin announcing when Arkansas will begin opening up. I am looking forward to what he says, but speaking very frankly, we never shut down. Repeating what I said last week, I cannot thank you enough for the support you have shown us. Every day we get a stack of mail which includes not only donations but notes and letters of encouragement.

Here is a little sneak preview of my May newsletter column which will be entitled “Mail Call” a compilation of some of the recent messages I’ve received in the mail. Enclosed is $100, “I’ve had this for years as emergence cash. This really is an emergency.” This is just one example of the words of encouragement which help us be better today than we were yesterday. Because of you someone will eat today.

- Kent Eikenberry

Friday, April 23 we held our second pop-up pantry in Huntsville, thanks to the generous sponsorship from Ducommun Inc.

We were able to serve 237 households with 785 members during this event. Our next event will be held this Friday, May 1 in West Fork.

Our staff has stepped up during this crisis to continue to make sure those in need are getting the food they need. Here are some pictures of a few of them in action at one of our pop-up pantries this past week. #weloveourstaff #feedingnwa #nwafoodbankatwork #wewontstop #helpingothers