Pulaski County provides record-setting $533,000 to Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance
PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. (August 18, 2023) – Pulaski County provided $533,000 dollars – the most it has ever allocated– to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance to donate to over 20 food pantries and food programs as part of the Pulaski County Hunger Reduction Initiative.
Originally, Pulaski County pledged $500,000, but added another $33,000 as a result of the expanded need due to the March 31, 2023 tornadoes that affected residents of Pulaski County.
According to weather.gov, “The tornado (rated EF3/165 mph peak wind) tracked just over 34 miles from West Little Rock through North Little Rock, Sherwood and Jacksonville (all in Pulaski County) before finally weakening on the southeast side of Cabot (Lonoke County). There were at least 2,700 structures impacted and 60,000 power outages (many of these in Pulaski County).”
It’s believed that the worst tornado damage was sustained in Pulaski County. With these extra funds, the county plans to address the added need for food security.
Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance is the only statewide anti-hunger organization. In 2021, Pulaski County had an estimated 53,000 residents and over 22% of children under 18 struggling with food insecurity in the county. Covid, inflation, and the March tornadoes have all contributed to an increase in residents needing to use charitable food networks.
The Pulaski County Hunger Reduction Initiative will provide direct support to food pantries serving the County. These funds will be divided up between organizations for the purchasing and providing of nutritious foods, as well as delivery.
“One of our focuses in Pulaski County Government is to improve the quality of life for our citizens,” said Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde. “Since the tornadoes in March, this is important now more than ever, and the Pulaski County Hunger Reduction Initiative is one answer to this call.”
Thanks to Pulaski County and the Alliance’s partnership, the following organizations will receive support for their food pantries and programs.
| Arkansas Initiative Program | Baptist Health Foundation | Benevolent Hearts | Central AR Volunteers in Medicine | Central Baptist Church Food Pantry |
| Carter’s Crew | CALS | CareLink | FEED First USA | Fishnet Mission |
| Grace Presbyterian Church | Have A Little Mercy Mobile Help Center | Highland Valley UMC | Jericho Way/ Depaul USA | Life Skills for Youth |
| LR Stewpot | Our House | St. Andrew UMC | St. Mark’s Episcopal | Salvation Army-LR |
| Parkway Place Baptist Church | Philander Smith College Pantry | Potluck Food Rescue | River City Ministry | Roland Crisis Closet |
| The Helping Hand of Greater LR | The Ridge Assembly of God | Unitarian Universalist Church | We Care of Pulaski County |
About the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance: The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance is a collaborative statewide voice advancing equitable solutions to hunger. Our vision is to create a hunger-free Arkansas. Founding members include the Arkansas Foodbank in Little Rock, Food Bank of North Central Arkansas in Mountain Home, Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas in Jonesboro, Harvest Regional Food Bank in Texarkana, Northwest Arkansas Food Bank in Springdale, and River Valley Regional Food Bank in Fort Smith. We invite you to visit ARHungerAlliance.org for details on hunger relief programs, donor, and volunteer opportunities.
