Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas Jonesboro AR: A Lifeline for Many

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, located in Jonesboro, AR, plays a crucial role in providing food assistance to those in need. This non-profit organization has been a beacon of hope for many families and individuals facing food insecurity. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, Jonesboro AR, to give you a comprehensive understanding of its operations and impact.

About the Food Bank

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, Jonesboro AR, was established in 1984 with the mission to alleviate hunger and malnutrition in the region. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the largest food banks in Arkansas, serving over 30 counties. The organization operates with the belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, regardless of their circumstances.

Services Offered

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas offers a variety of services to help combat hunger in the community. These include:

Food Distribution: The organization distributes food to over 200 partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. These agencies then provide the food to those in need.
Mobile Pantries: The Food Bank conducts mobile pantries in various locations throughout the region, making it easier for people to access food assistance.
Emergency Food Boxes: Individuals and families can receive emergency food boxes to help them through tough times.
Senior Nutrition Programs: The Food Bank offers programs specifically designed to help seniors maintain a healthy diet.
Backpack Programs: The organization provides backpacks filled with nutritious food to children in need, ensuring they have enough to eat over the weekend.

Impact on the Community

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas has had a significant impact on the community. According to their 2020 annual report, the organization distributed over 8.5 million pounds of food to over 200,000 individuals. This translates to over 1.5 million meals provided to those in need. The following table highlights some of the key statistics from their 2020 report:

Category	2020 Statistics
Total Pounds of Food Distributed	8,510,000
Total Number of Individuals Served	200,000
Total Number of Meals Provided	1,500,000
Total Number of Partner Agencies	200

Volunteer Opportunities

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas relies heavily on volunteers to carry out its mission. There are numerous volunteer opportunities available, including:

Sorting and Packaging: Volunteers help sort and package food for distribution.
Assisting at Food Distribution Events: Volunteers help distribute food at mobile pantries and other events.
Office Assistance: Volunteers assist with various office tasks, such as data entry and answering phones.
Special Events: Volunteers help with special events, such as fundraising events and food drives.

Donation Options

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas accepts various types of donations to help support its operations. These include:

Food Donations: Non-perishable food items are always in high demand.
Financial Contributions: Monetary donations help the organization purchase food and supplies.
Personal Hygiene Items: Items such as toothpaste, soap, and shampoo are also needed.
Household Items: Donations of household items, such as dishes and bedding, are also welcome.