Episode notes
This episode of the You're Invited podcast hosted by Kim features guests Sherri Jones, Chief Programs Officer at the Arkansas Food Bank, and Becky Campbell of Arkansas Rice. The discussion focuses on Arkansas's high rank in food insecurity and how regional partnerships, community pantries, and local agricultural producers collaborate to deliver solutions across the state.
Sherry Jones highlights the core issue around food access in Arkansas, explaining, "it's not as easy solvable solution... we cover 33 of the 75 counties across the state... when you go into some of these communities, there's lack of access... your nearest grocery store may be 30 minutes away." She further emphasizes the scale of their operations and the critical role of volunteers: "Pre-COVID, the Arkansas Food Bank distributed about 28 million pounds of food a year. Now we're distributing between 40 and 42 million pounds of food a year and we're still number one in food insecurity," adding, "Our volunteers give over 40,000 hours a year."
Becky Campbell details the significant contribution of the state's agricultural sector, noting, "Agriculture is the number one industry that we have here in our state... Arkansas grows the most rice in the whole United States, over 50%." She shares the long-standing commitment of the industry: "Since like 2015, the rice industry has donated like 2.5 million pounds of rice to food banks across the state."
The episode also highlights upcoming initiatives, including the announcement of a new Delta Community Resource Center in West Helena set to open in Fall 2027, featuring a healthy choice pantry alongside comprehensive support services. The overarching message of the conversation centers on their theme of turning "awareness into action" to end hunger through teamwork, community support, and shared resources.