Project Zero

MISSION POSSIBLE

words and Image courtesy River Valley Food Bank

“Should I pick up my medicine, pay my electric bill, my mortgage, my rent, or buy groceries?”

These are the impossible choices many hungry residents in our community face each day. September is Hunger Action Month, an annual Feeding America campaign dedicated to driving awareness and inspiring action to help end hunger in America.

Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization, and its member food banks, like the River Valley Regional Food Bank in Fort Smith, consider September the busiest fundraising month of the year, as the push for shelfstocking increases as the holiday season draws near.

This year’s theme, “Food shouldn’t be an impossible choice,” reflects the difficult reality for many families as they struggle to keep the lights on and stomachs fed. During Hunger Action Month, Feeding America network food banks, food pantries and community members all work together to address food insecurity through fundraisers, food drives and volunteering.

Fighting hunger isn’t just about food, it’s about improving the quality of life for those facing food insecurity. “All of us have been hungry at some point in a day, but to actually experience hunger, the not knowing when or where your next meal will be, what it will be, not only affects your stomach, but your mind,” River Valley Regional Food Bank Director Tracy Engel said. “Food insecurity causes more than just a loss of a meal, it can lead to depression, domestic violence, and hopelessness. Knowing we have a network of partner agencies we can assure our communities that we are doing our best to fulfill the mission of addressing food insecurity in Arkansas.” How to Help Food shouldn’t be an impossible choice, especially among families with children, rural communities, and communities of color, who already faced hunger at higher rates pre-pandemic. Here are two ways you can join the fight to end hunger:

• Host a food or fundraising drive and volunteer • Donate—every dollar provides 10 meals to a needy family

Hunger Action Month is a time for community engagement and to come together to end hunger. While many in our community face impossible choices daily, you can choose to improve your community by donating, advocating, volunteering, or raising awareness.

HUNGER FACTS

• In the Arkansas River Valley, 1 in 6 people is at risk of hunger — including 1 in 4 children. • There are 74,174 food insecure children and 54,940 food insecure persons in the River Valley. • The child food insecurity rate in the River Valley is more than 22 percent. • The average cost of a meal in Arkansas is $2.80. • Nearly 50 percent of households in Arkansas that receive SNAP benefits have children in the home. *Statistics according to the River Valley Food Bank and data from Feeding America

For more information call 479.785.0582 or visit rvfoodbank.org.

Down, Set, Shop!

words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Summer is winding down and local shops are gearing up for fall! We’re sharing some of our favorite finds from around town.

Hunters Can Suppress Loud Gun Shots and Enhance Environmental Sounds with SoundGear™ Phantom Hearing Protection CENTER FOR HEARING

479.785.3277

Prairie Wolf Vodka, King’s Family Distillery Honey Ryeconic Whiskey, Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka & Soda, Mother’s Wild Cobra Sour, 450 North Dexter’s Daboratory, Wyldewood Peach Mead, Invivo X SJP Sauvignon blanc

Hearts On Fire Aerial Sunburst Pendant, .64cts., 18kt White Gold JOHN MAYS JEWELERS

479.452.2140 Tailgate Ready with Bota’rita Ready-to-Drink Margarita Cocktails, Arkansas Razorback Shot Glasses and Tumbler, Lil Wheezy IPA, Fallen Queen Belgian Style Wheat Ale, Hard Mtn Dew Watermelon Seltzer IN GOOD SPIRITS

479.434.6604

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS

479.783.8013 Colorful Sunglasses and Eyeglasses by Kirk & Kirk STILES EYE GROUP

479.452.2020