There are multiple definitions for the word share. As a verb is means to give a portion of something to someone else. From the time we were toddlers, we have been taught to share.

“Let your sister play with that toy.”
“Don’t eat it all, give your brother part of that cake.”
“If you don’t learn to share, you will be put in time out.”

You get the picture. But the above examples are negative reinforcements of “sharing.” We’ve all seen the heartwarming pictures of a small child generously offering to share whatever he or she has with a friend, a family member and, in some cases, someone they don’t even know. There are over 6,400 of you out there who have shared what they have with those less fortunate through your donation to the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. That’s right, in 2022 we had over 6,400 individuals make donations to us to help us serve our neighbors in need. Simply stated, we could not do what we do without you. On behalf of the 70,000 plus neighbors we serve, please let me express my deepest appreciation and gratitude.

Speaking of sharing, there are many, many great organizations out there working to make Northwest Arkansas a better place to live. I want to express my thanks to people who support those other organizations as well as, or even instead of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. For as it has been said many times, we are better together and any investment in our community is a step in the right direction.

Can you imagine, after working your entire life, sitting down at the kitchen table with your spouse, not to eat, but to decide if you are going to turn on the heat? Or are you going to take your medicine? Or which bill is the most pressing and must be paid before services are turned off? Maybe after all these are taken care of, you finally look in the cabinet for something to eat-and the cupboard is bare!

That’s life for approximately 17% of those Arkansans over the age of 60.* (source: Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance)

If you cannot visualize what life is like for these neighbors, perhaps this story will better illustrate it.

Several years ago I was volunteering at my church food pantry when a friend of mine came in. Now he was retired as a civil employee and had owned his own business so I was shocked to see him. With a tear in his eye he shared the reason. “Kent, you know my wife has been sick. We have spent our entire savings on medicine and treatment. My grandchildren are coming and we don’t have anything to feed them and I cannot imagine having to tell them there is nothing for them to eat.”

Thankfully, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is there to help my friend, and the thousands who, like him, are experiencing food insecurity. But we can only be there with your help. Your donations provide more than just food, they provide security in the fact that those in need can feed their grandchildren when they come visit.

Because of you, someone will eat today.

When I was first asked to help oversee the implementation of the first ever Northwest Arkansas Food Bank run pantry and community resource center, I was a little overwhelmed at the daunting task ahead, but I knew a space like Feed Rogers is exactly what Northwest Arkansas needed to move the needle on food-insecurity.

I can honestly say that over the past year, it’s been a true joy to have a bird’s eye view of something really special happening at Feed Rogers. In this space, I’ve seen a neighbor brought to tears over her gratitude for a watermelon. A child giddy with excitement because he was able to choose whatever cereal he wanted. I’ve watched a volunteer console a neighbor because of the loss of a loved one. I’ve seen a community be built.

When planning originally began for Feed Rogers, we had big expectations. In our first year, our hope was to distribute 500,000 lbs. of food into the community, be open 4 days a week, and provide our neighbors with an environment of dignity and respect. I am proud to say, in the past year we’ve distributed nearly 800,000 lbs. of food, are open 5 days a week, and have absolutely created a space where neighbors feel seen, heard and welcomed. We’ve also added an online ordering platform, delivery service, and have provided opportunities for our neighbors to meet with other community organization.

We couldn’t do this great work without our Feed Rogers Team. Chelsea Tatlow, Feed Rogers Manager and Rosario Javier, Feed Rogers Assistant Manager are a true gift to our community, and give so much of their selves to make Feed Rogers a success. We’d also be silly to not give a HUGE shout-out to our volunteers. We have approximately 100 volunteer slots each week. I am constantly humbled by how quickly those spots are filled, and how eager our community is to show up to serve!

Never in a million years did I think we’d be where we are today. However, as I look to the future I see so much more that needs to be done. If you’ve never visited Feed Rogers, I’d invite you to come take a tour, or spend some time volunteering. We’d love for you to be part of our journey!

-Sabrina

Families are contending with higher food costs in a variety of ways. For Elisa, this means trading fresh produce, like strawberries and grapes, for more affordable canned fruit when preparing meals for her two kids.

The price of school meals has also increased for her oldest son, but her family doesn’t qualify for free or reduced lunch.

For additional support, Elisa visited the Springdale Mobile Pantry to pick up food for her family. She plans to share what she doesn’t use.

“A lot of people don’t have a car or aren’t working,” she said. “I know the last time I came, we actually didn’t have much room in our freezer because we just had a small, regular fridge, so I couldn’t keep all of the food I was given.”

She shared the frozen items in a community Facebook group for moms and delivered them to families who didn’t have transportation.

Not everyone “can go at these hours or at these times,” she said. “But there are resources. I just feel like not everyone knows about them or can get to them.”

Elisa pointed out the challenges faced by families new to the NWA region, similar to what she experienced after moving a few years earlier.

Without established relationships, it can be hard to ask for help. Using social media, she helps fellow moms get connected to resources.

“On a personal level, there’s a lot of moms or people who stay at home that would be willing to help if you will ask them ... Like I said, I wouldn’t mind helping out somebody if I knew that I could do it somewhere locally or something like that.”

Whether online or in person, Elisa helps her neighbors access food and builds a stronger community.

Photo is representative of neighbor. Courtesy of Max Harlynking/Unsplash.

For the month of February, we welcomed 312 volunteers into our warehouse, garden, Mobile Pantry and Feed Rogers location who served a total of 1,472 volunteer hours. We could not do what we do without our wonderful volunteers. We would love to have you, too! To find a day and time that will fit your schedule, please visit www.nwafoodbank.org/volunteer.

Seed to Supper is a FREE beginning gardening course that teaches you the skills you need to start a garden and grow your own food on a budget. You'll also have an opportunity to earn a free gift card. Spots are limited, so reserve yours now!

*Location: The Jones Center and the NWA Food Bank Teaching Garden in Springdale

*Date: Wednesdays, April 12 - May 17

*Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: RSVP at haley.deatherage@nwafoodbank.org by April 7.

Across NWA, our partner agencies distribute nutritious foods, establish caring relationships with neighbors and share connections to community resources. On February 28th, we gathered with several of our partner agencies at the Jones Center in Springdale to share tools, experiences and information on how to better serve our community. Thank you to our partner agencies who attended and a special thanks to our wonderful speakers!