This September, during Hunger Action Month, the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas is joining the nationwide Feeding America network in calling on Northeast Arkansas to “Play Your Part.” As the cost of essentials like groceries and energy continue to put pressure on household budgets, everyone can take action to help ensure their neighbors have access to the food they need to thrive.
"Together we can end hunger," said Denis McDonough, CEO of Feeding America. "It takes people looking out for each other, especially now, as so many families are navigating difficult tradeoffs necessitated by high food prices. This Hunger Action Month, we're asking everyone to show up for their neighbors facing hunger and play their part. Whether you give, volunteer, speak up or support your community in another way, your action matters. When neighbors care for neighbors, we strengthen our communities."
According to the latest data available from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, 48 million people, including more than 14 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest level since 2014. Of the 12 counties served by the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, food insecurity ranges from a low of 19.4% in Crittenden County to a high of 25.2% in Poinsett County.
According to Christie Jordan, CEO for the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, the 2025 “Hunger In Arkansas” study conducted by the Feeding America Food Banks in Arkansas found that 38% of Northeast Arkansans are food-insecure.
"We know hunger is an ongoing problem in the state and in our region, but we also know that programs like SNAP, WIC, and charitable food provide a critical safety net for many families in Northeast Arkansas," said Jordan. "Twenty-seven percent of people in Northeast Arkansas have their food needs met because they have access to food assistance programs. Hunger Action Month calls on all of us to do what we can to ensure our neighbors have enough to eat."
Hunger Action Day falls on September 29, when Feeding America will release the 2026 Elevating Voices: Insights Report, an annual, nationally representative survey of the experiences, concerns and policy views of people facing hunger in the United States.
People can get involved locally by donating at this link or through the actions below:
- Thursday, Sept. 3: Shadrachs Coffee (Jonesboro, Paragould, Trumann) will donate 100% of proceeds to the Food Bank
- Friday, Sept. 4: Panda Express (Jonesboro) will donate 20% of sales to the Food Bank
- Tuesday, Sept. 15: Domino’s Pizza locations in 12 Northeast Arkansas counties will donate 15% of sales to the Food Bank
- Thursday, Sept. 24: The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas’ annual Empty Bowls fundraising event. Purchase a ticket for a drive-through lunch of soup, sandwich, chips, and dessert, and join the Food Bank’s mission to fight hunger
- Tuesday, Sept. 29: Gearhead Outfitters (Uptown Jonesboro location) marks Hunger Action Day by donating proceeds to the Food Bank.
Learn more about how you can take action by visiting www.hungeractionmonth.org