One in six Arkansans are uncertain about where their next meal will come from. One in four Arkansas children don’t know whether they will be able to eat when they get home from school. A study through Feeding America found that in 2018, 17.3 percent of Arkansans faced food insecurity. 

 

Food insecurity and hunger is a direct result of poverty, and with the addition of the pandemic that resulted in job losses, lack of transportation and potential medical expenses, Feeding America conducted a more recent study that projected 20.5 percent of the Arkansas population faced food insecurity in 2020, making Arkansas the second highest rate in the country. 

 

Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance (AHRA) is a non-profit organization that aids Arkansans struggling with food insecurity. AHRA, founded in 2004, has worked with many officials and organizations to end hunger in Arkansas. Low-income families and individuals are the most vulnerable to food insecurity, and with the educational resources provided by AHRA, awareness is spreading on how the rest of the state can assist in the effort to end hunger in Arkansas.

 

Yellow Rocket Concepts has partnered with AHRA to combat food insecurity in Arkansas through a dollar-for-dollar match fundraising campaign. The campaign has set a goal of raising $25,000 that will be matched for a total of $50,000. The fundraiser is already a quarter of the way there, and the state is encouraged to continue supporting their efforts.

 

Through the assistance of participating restaurants under Yellow Rocket Concepts, February specials and off-menu highlights are available this month for Arkansans to enjoy while also supporting AHRA efforts. Participating restaurants include: Big Orange (West Little Rock, Midtown, Rogers), Zaza Pizza & Salad Co. (Little Rock, Conway), Local Lime (Little Rock, Rogers) and Heights Taco & Tamale Co.

 

At select Big Orange locations, the state has the opportunity to support other local non-profits while helping the AHRA campaign. The additional non-profits include: Lucie’s Place, a foundation providing homeless LGBTQ+ young adults in Central Arkansas with safe living conditions, job training, counseling services and support, and Sunshine School and Development Center, a school based out of Rogers that provides individuals of any age with developmental delays therapy, counseling services, an inclusive learning environment and support.

 

The AHRA and Yellow Rock Concepts are looking to reach their goal soon in order to aid Arkansans facing food insecurity quickly. Senior citizens, adults and children are all dependent on the efforts of the AHRA and their resources. Supporting projects like the AHRA fundraising campaign is essential in helping fellow Arkansans receive the help they need. 

 

Learn more about Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance’s mission and the reality many Akransans face everyday here.

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