The holidays are just around the corner. It is regularly documented about increased stress around the holidays. There are many reasons for this: Cooler weather, higher utilities; seasonal jobs such as landscaping slow down; even the fact that we leave for work in the dark and go home in the dark has an impact on each of us. This year we can add inflation to the stress contributors. Inflation is showing up across the board, but it is especially apparent at the gas pump and at the grocery stores. These are two areas critical for survival, regardless of your income level. For too many of our neighbors, inflation is creating more food insecurity. Our role is to help reduce that stress by putting food in local pantries who in turn distribute it to those in need. The fourth quarter is critical for our continued success. We need your help. Year-end giving helps support us through the lean first quarter of the year. For your support, as always, I thank you.

On October 15 we were able to gather, for the first time since 2019, for our Jewels of Giving Gala. The overwhelming support of the community was apparent in those who were ready to get together in the same room and celebrate successes. When I think back to the very first Jewels of Giving Gala when we had in the neighborhood of 75 people present, the fact that 700 or so that joined us makes me so very appreciative.

For those of you who were not able to join us at Jewels of Giving, let me share a few comments I made during my remarks as I recognized this year’s Hunger Hero.

“I find inspiration in a multitude of places. A few weeks ago, I was in Washington DC for a Feeding America meeting. During some free time, Diana and I visited the tomb of the unknown soldier. As we paid homage to those who had given their life for our country without knowing their names, it made me think of the persons who have donated to the Food Bank Anonymously. Each year we have several people who financially support the Food Bank but don’t want any public recognition for it. Sometimes I know who these people are and am sworn to secrecy but other times I don’t even know who the donor is. The money just shows up. So, without further ado, this year’s Hunger Hero goes to those folks who have donated Anonymously. You know who you are even if I don’t. Thank you for believing in our mission and trusting us to be good stewards of your gift.”

In closing, I would just like to repeat part of those comments. Thank you for trusting us and allowing us to be good stewards of your gift. We could not do what we do without you. It’s that simple!

Because of you, someone will eat today!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Following the Northwest Arkansas fundraiser for Hunger Action Month in September, Whataburger presented a check for $7,500 to the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to help fight hunger in the community. Funds were raised in the Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville restaurants and will support the School Pantry program across Northwest Arkansas, providing over 60,000 meals. Out of four restaurants in the area, the Springdale team raised the most money during all four weeks of the fundraiser.

Additionally, to kick off Hunger Action Month and our annual partnership with the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, Whataburger donated an additional $3,600, creating a local impact of over $11k. The total from both donations are all in support of Whataburger Feeding Student Success, the company’s signature community program operating at the intersection of food insecurity and education and focusing on helping students at all levels of education achieve their goals and dreams.

Director of Marketing and Communications of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, Julie Damer said, “We are so excited and proud of our partnership with Whataburger. They have really supported our School Pantry program from the start and have continued to sponsor this program as it grows. We could not do what we do without partners like Whataburger.”

Rising food prices are hitting families hard, especially those who are living on a fixed income like Rita.

She began looking for help for her and her husband when a family member told her about Feed the 479, a food pantry and Northwest Arkansas Food Bank partner agency.

Feed the 479 hosts mobile pantries on the 3rd Friday of each month at Cross Church Fayetteville and the 4th Friday of each month at Cross Church Pinnacle Hills from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

“We appreciate when we can come by and they load the food in (the car),” Rita said, expressing gratitude even for the things she doesn’t eat but can share with her neighbors.

They also have a client-choice pantry located at 3157 W. Sunset Avenue in Springdale where neighbors can choose the food they want.

On this day, Rita went to the client-choice pantry, where she could pick foods that fit her dietary restrictions and health needs.

She walked through the aisles, selecting what she wanted from a variety of foods including baked goods, canned vegetables, frozen meats and fresh produce.

Pantries that use a client-choice model support our neighbors by empowering them to make decisions about their meals based on their needs and wants.

When a person chooses what they eat, they can share family recipes, continue cultural traditions, meet health needs and address dietary restrictions, like allergies. These choices can also reduce food waste.

“Being able to choose my own food has been very helpful,” Rita said. “I never have to take anything I can’t see us using right away.”

Last month, our friends at Tyson donated 80,000 pounds of frozen wings for distribution to our partner agencies to help feed our neighbors who are facing food insecurity. University of Arkansas student-athletes volunteered to load product into vehicles. We are so thankful for the continued support we receive from our friends at Tyson.

We love working together with community partners to feed Northwest Arkansas!

During the month of October, we welcomed 309 volunteers who served a total of 1,207 hours with us at our Mobile Pantries, in our teaching garden, at our Feed Rogers location, or in our warehouse. We couldn’t do what we do without the help of our wonderful volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit www.nwafoodbank.org/volunteer to find a day and shift that would work best for you. Our open spots for November and December are filling up fast, so reserve yours today!