The Delta Grassroots Caucus (DGC) is a broad coalition of grassroots leaders in the eight-state Delta region. DGC is also a founding partner of the Economic Equality Caucus,
which advocates for economic equality across the USA.

Arkansas Foodbank Network"s Great Work in Fighting Hunger

Posted on April 09, 2009 at 09:59 AM

During these difficult economic times, food banks across the eight-state Greater Delta region are undergoing great stress. The Arkansas Foodbank Network, like many other foodbank networks across the region, does a great job of feeding many families in the east Arkansas Delta and other areas of Arkansas. We attach below an article in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette describing some financial issues they are currently working on.

As the article indicates, the Arkansas Foodbank Network is $1.5 million shy of raising the $14.5 million it needs to build a 77,808-squarefoot facility that would allow it to handle the projected 17 million pounds of food the network will need for hungry Arkansans by 2011. If the network falls short of its goal, it risks losing grant money from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, which donated $10.9 million but is requiring the group to match 20 percent of $10.3 million.

The network provides food for about 23,000 families each week in 33 Arkansas counties, many of them in the east Arkansas Delta Regional Authority area. Gov. Mike Beebe of Arkansas joined foodbank leaders in calling attention to the need for helping people who are finding it difficult to get enough food nowadays.

If any of our partners in Arkansas are interested in helping in this situation, please do so. Their phone is (501) 565-8121 and the website is www.arkansasfoodbank.org.

Food banks across the region are undergoing difficulties due to the increasing demand for food assistance, so for people outside Arkansas, if you prefer to aid a food bank in your own state, please do so. There is a food bank locator on the website of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief charity at www.feedingamerica.org. Thanks–Lee Powell, MDGC

Nonprofit: Donations crucial for food bank

Director says center will aid entire state

BY L. LAMOR WILLIAMS ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

The modified Chinese proverb made a fitting analogy, said Philip Tappan, leader of an ongoing capital campaign for the Arkansas Foodbank Network. “It is better to be a dog in a peaceful time than a man in a chaotic period,” Tappan joked Tuesday. “I say it’s better to be a dog than an AIG [executive], investment banker or capital campaign chairman in these tough economic times,” a reference to the floundering American International Group and beleaguered financial industry executives. The Arkansas Foodbank Network is $1.5 million shy of raising the $14.5 million it needs to build a 77,808-squarefoot facility that would allow it to handle the projected 17 million pounds of food the network will need for hungry Arkansans by 2011.

As a chilly wind whipped around about 75 people gathered at the River Market Pavilion, the network provided an update on its campaign and made a plea for help reaching its goal.

Tappan, president of Tappan Land & Water, noted that if the network falls short, it risks losing grant money from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, which donated $10.9 million but is requiring the group to match 20 percent of $10.3 million.

Tappan said it would be a shame to “leave this money on the table because we couldn’t match it.”

“I know we can do it with your support and the support of others around the state,” he said.

The Arkansas Foodbank Network Donald W. Reynolds Distribution Center would sit on 12 acres in southwest Little Rock donated by Gene Cauley and Rick Ferguson.

Gov. Mike Beebe also made a plea for donations. He asked for people to do what they can and to reach out to friends and family for donations as well.

“We talk about economic development, health care and education, but if people are hungry then little else matters,” Beebe said. “This is a major, major deal for the people of Arkansas, not just Little Rock or North Little Rock. All 75 counties will be affected, all races, all age groups. These people are not just statistics. They are real people. Real moms. Real dads.”

Phyllis Haynes, executive director, said the network Phyllis Haynes, executive director, said the network provides food for about 23,000 families each week. Haynes declined to specify what deadline it must meet to receive the Reynolds Foundation grant, but said the agency must move quickly.

During Tuesday’s gathering, Haynes shared the story of one family benefiting from the agency’s efforts.

Haynes said a grandmother she met recently in Roland — a community north of Lake Maumelle — at the Roland Crisis Closet. She said the woman takes care of her mother and three grandchildren trying to make ends meet on the $764 a month she earns working at a fast-food restaurant.

Haynes said for every eight hours the woman works, she gets to take home one 12-inch sub sandwich. When she does, she calls her mother and tells her, “I’m bringing home dinner. Open a can of pork and beans,” Haynes said.

“She skips meals and eats less than she should so her grandchildren can have enough. In 2008 she made $11,500,” Haynes said. “There are an awful lot of hungry people in our country, in our community. I think a lot of people don’t have a clue how hard it is for some to stay ahead of the wolf at the door so to speak.”