Food insecurity affects 16% of Arkansans, and the percentage is higher in some parts of north central Arkansas.
According to the United Way of North Central Arkansas, food insecurity affects 17 to 21% of households in the region. For example, 17% of Independence County households lack access to enough food for an active and healthy life for all household members, resulting in limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate food. The same percentage of Independence County residents live with incomes below the federal poverty level — an indicator of social support needs.
Individuals in homes facing food insecurity are at a higher risk for a wide variety of health and social problems, according to Aspire Arkansas.
To help “Tackle Hunger” in the region, the United Way of North Central Arkansas is collecting non-perishable food items to support local food banks and school backpack programs. Businesses and community members are encouraged to participate in the competition, not only for a chance to win the trophy based on food items collected, “…but also to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those struggling with food insecurities in our community,” the organization said.
Roxanne Ranaudo (pictured above), executive director of United Way of North Central Arkansas, recently visited with White River Now’s Chad Whiteaker about the Tackle Hunger Food Drive. Listen to their conversation below, and scroll down for a complete list of community partners participating in the Tackle Hunger Food Drive.
For more information about the Tackle Hunger Food Drive or to compete for the Super Bowl of Caring Trophy, contact the United Way office for more details at (870) 793-5991 or info@liveunitednca.org. Monetary donations can be made by texting UnitedWeCan to 44-321.
Graphics provided by United Way of North Central Arkansas
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather every weekday morning and afternoon from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5.
