Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas is calling on the community to help fight hunger this holiday season during the 19th annual Fill the Food Bank event on Friday, Nov. 20.

From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., volunteers will be stationed at 17 locations across Northeast Arkansas, making this the largest in the event’s history. Every donation will stay within the county where it is given, directly supporting local neighbors in need.

This year, the Food Bank has set an ambitious goal: raising 400,000 meals to ensure families have food on the table for Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season. Rising inflation and increased food costs mean the organization must work harder than ever just to provide the same amount of relief.

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The need in the region is critical as Arkansas currently has one of the highest food insecurity rates in the country.

In Northeast Arkansas alone, over 80,000 people are food insecure, and nearly 30,000 of them are children. Statistically, 38% of the region’s population faces food insecurity, and 1 in 3 children are at risk for hunger.

Community members can help the Food Bank reach its goal through monetary or physical food donations. Thanks to the organization’s purchasing power, every $1 donated provides three meals, and 1.2 pounds of donated food equals one meal.

Those looking to donate non-perishable goods are encouraged to bring canned items such as fruits, vegetables, soups, and meats. Other highly requested items include peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, and rice. All donated items must be unexpired and in non-glass containers.

There are multiple ways to contribute to the cause:

• Drop off: Bring food or monetary donations to any of the 17 participating locations on Nov. 20 below:
  • Blytheville
    • Walmart Supercenter, 3700 E. State Highway 18
  • Brookland
    • Harps, 8107 US-49 N
  • Forrest City
    • Walmart Supercenter, 205 Deadrick Rd
  • Harrisburg
    • Edwards Food Giant, 605 N. Illinois Ave.
  • Jonesboro
    • Walmart Supercenter, 1815 E. Highland Dr.
    • Walmart Supercenter, 1911 W. Parker Rd.
    • Walmart Neighborhood Market, 2811 Creek Drive
    • Walmart Neighborhood Market, 3319 Harrisburg Rd.
    • Sam’s Club, 2405 S. Caraway Rd.
  • Newport
    • Walmart Supercenter, 1211 Highway 367 N.
  • Osceola
    • Walmart Supercenter, 2720 W. Keiser Ave.
  • Paragould
    • Walmart Supercenter, 2802 W. Kingshighway
    • Walmart Neighborhood Market, 2600 Linwood Dr.
  • Pocahontas
    • Walmart Supercenter, 1415 Highway 67 S.
  • Trumann
    • Walmart Supercenter, 512 Industrial Park Dr.
  • Walnut Ridge
    • Walmart, 1600 W. Main St.
  • Wynne
    • Hays Supermarket, 1860 Falls Blvd
• Text to Give: Text NEAFOOD to 43414.
• Online: Visit foodbankofnea.org and click “Donate.”
• Phone: Call the Food Bank at (870) 932-3663.

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas operates with a mission to provide hunger relief by raising awareness, securing resources, and distributing food through a network of non-profit agencies and programs.

To volunteer for the event, contact Elizabeth Johnson at ejohnson@foodbankofnea.org or call the Food Bank.

For more information on the event, click here.

Fill the Food Bank is a partnership between the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, the Jonesboro Media Group and KAIT-TV.

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