Who Can Visit A Drive
Drive-thru pantries are open for anyone who needs help getting food. There are no eligibility criteria. Visitors do not need to provide any identification or income statements.
Only two piece of information is asked
- You Zipcode, and
- Number of people in their family.
You dont need to take appointment. Drive-thru pantries are first-come, first served so plan to arrive early.
Salvation Army Food Pantry
The Salvation Army is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity.
The Salvation Army operates free local food banks around Fort Smith, Arkansas from almost all of their local social service centers. The charity organization is involved in feeding millions of families each year, with a large percentage of those assisted being children as well as the elderly.
We have located 1 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Fort Smith, Arkansas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
River Valley Regional Food Bank Hosting Thanksgiving Food Giveaway
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FORT SMITH, Ark. The River Valley Regional Food Bank has announced hosting a special Thanksgiving food giveaway for veterans on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or while supplies last.
Veterans will receive a food box for a Thanksgiving meal, including ham, milk and dog food.
Distribution will occur at the River Valley Regional Food Bank location at 1617 South Zero Street in Fort Smith.
Veterans are asked to provide a valid military I.D. or their DD214 form, and a veteran must be present to receive the donation.
This is not a drive-thru event, and veterans must park the vehicles and approach the registration tent before receiving food.
The River Valley Food Bank says Feeding America made the donation event possible thanks to funding provided by a grant.
Many local leaders will be at the event, including U.S. Sen. John Boozman, Arkansas District 78 state Rep. Jay Richardson, Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow and Mulberry Mayor Gary Baxter. Combat Veterans of Arkansas, Chapter 7-3, will distribute the food to the veterans.
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River Valley Regional Food Bank At Fort Smith
May 18, 2018
The food bank serves eight counties in West Central Arkansas, where just over 305,000 people reside. We source the most nutritious foods we can find and provide that food to about 62,000 people in the area. A total of 196 member agencies create a far reaching network of food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, churches and nonprofit groups that get food to people in need of assistance.
How Does A Food Pantry Work
Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.
Our vision is simpleâbring financial security, dignity, and savings to the millions experiencing financial stress.
Quick Links
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Building Relationships To Care For Neighbors
While anonymity is one of the little free pantries assets, it also is a hurdle for those the pantries intend to serve.
Few givers and receivers will see each other at the boxes, helping to lessen the shame and stigma of food insecurity. However, the disconnection makes it difficult to establish relationships with those who need more support.
Accepting help requires courage and vulnerability, and by forging a relationship, theyre more able to help you in other ways if youre known to them, Briggs said. It doesnt mean that we want to be in all of your business, but we know who you are, and we know when we see you.
For individuals who make the transition from the giving box to the food pantry, St. Bartholomews offers connections to additional aid, whether its referring them to another service or sometimes they just need somebody to listen, Leeper said.
On their own, little free pantries will not solve food insecurity. For local leaders, the little boxes are a starting place in the fight against hunger.
“It doesnt really provide a long-term solution for folks, but it definitely helps in the interim if somebody finds themselves in a difficult spot needing food, Johnson said.
For those who have concerns about the openness and availability of the food in the pantries being taken advantage of, Leeper offers a response.
Fort Smith Food Bank Director Talks Turkey Supply Problems
FORT SMITH — Supply chain issues fueled by the ongoing covid-19 pandemic are preventing the local food bank from getting certain items to its clients ahead of Thanksgiving.
Tracy Engel, director of the River Valley Regional Food Bank in Fort Smith, said the problems have hindered the food bank’s ability to receive turkeys from outside organizations and companies. She also mentioned the food bank was unable to secure canned yams, cranberry sauce and pumpkin for its holiday boxes this year.
“At this time last year, we had about 1,000 turkeys rolling into the food bank for our member pantries,” Engel said Tuesday. “And at this time, today, we have five turkeys in our freezer. So instead of turkey and dressing this year, it might be chicken and dressing.”
The cost of a turkey has increased about 70% from last year, Engel said. She described this year as the worst for Thanksgiving during the seven years she’s worked at the food bank as far as putting holiday meals together with protein and other side items.
Engel said the food bank was told a donation of turkeys would be coming in from Kansas for its member pantries, although it’s uncertain when or if the donation will arrive due to the supply chain issues.
The River Valley Regional Food Bank has 169 partner agencies in Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Polk, Scott, Sebastian and Yell counties, Engel said. The food bank serves about 94,000 people per month across these eight counties.
Food Insecurity
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Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501 food pantry operated around Fort Smith, Arkansas almost entirely by volunteers.
It provides a 7-day supply of groceries and personal care items free of charge to people in need, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Helping Hands is supported entirely by donations from individuals, service organizations, churches, and businesses in our community.
We have located 1 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Fort Smith, Arkansas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
How Do I Make My Gift
There are three ways to make a gift:
- Make a gift online
To donate by mail, simply download the form from the link below, print it, and mail the completed donor form with your check to this address:
River Valley Regional Food Bank
1617 S Zero St
How do I mention River Valley Regional Food Bank in an obituary or recommend that gifts be made to River Valley Regional Food Bank in lieu of flowers?
We suggest that you use text similar to this:
The family requests that memorial gifts be made in support of feeding families, kids and seniors in need through the River Valley Regional Food Bank. Checks made payable to the River Valley Regional Food Bank can be mailed to:
River Valley Regional Food Bank
1617 S Zero St
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You Can Establish An Automatic Monthly Gift
The Food Bank primarily sources donated food products.
Which means, not only do our inventories of foods fluctuate from month to month, but we are unsure month to month what may come our way.
The same applies to financial donations. Knowing that we can rely upon your monthly support is perhaps the best way we can plan for the future and provide for the future.
Consider Establishing a Monthly Donation by Credit or Debit Card
Free Food Pantries Soup Kitchens And Food Banks In Sebastian County
Food programs in Sebastian County Arkansas are mostly offered by churches, charities as well as free emergency food pantries. A number of resources are provided to families in need, and range from perishable items like fruits, breads, and meats to canned goods. Hot meals like breakfast, lunch, or dinner are also offered in the Fort Smith Arkansas area. Hundreds of local families receive assistance on a monthly basis.
Many of the food banks, pantries near you and churches provide other help as well. This can range from referrals and information on federal government and state of Arkansas food assistance programs like SNAP, to details on where to pick up items like clothing or baby formula or personal hygiene supplies. Many pantries or soup kitchens also serve free Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter meals. There is also a referral number at the bottom of this page.
If you need help for you or your family, and need a place to turn to for free food, meals, or groceries, do not hesitate to call or stop by one of these Sebastian area food pantries or churches.
Cavanaugh Free Will Baptist Church Only has non-perishable food only, and anyone who needs help can call this local church. The address is 2825 Grinnell Street, Fort Smith, AR 72908, phone number is 646-2806
Central Christian ChurchLocation is 400 North Waldron Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903Provides meals, groceries and food for people in need.
Eastside Baptist Church
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Mobile Food Pantry Schedule 2022
Unlike traditional food pantries where you go to them, mobile pantry trucks come to you. Food banks sometimes have an online mobile food pantry schedule.
Mobile food pantry scheduled to visit a community once a week or once a month. There may be last-minute cancellations or changes so recheck the mobile food pantry schedule before you plan to go.
We have located 0 Mobile Food Pantry locations in Fort Smith, Model.Content.StateName which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Food Pantry In Fort Smith Arkansas
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Fort Smith, Arkansas distribute groceries to individuals or families who are in some form of an emergency situation.
There are also meals, free bags of food, personal toiletries and household goods for low to moderate income families from food pantries near you.
Distribution centers can include churches, non-profit organizations, community action agencies, and many other local charities as well as non-profits.
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First Baptist Church Of Van Buren
Resources provided by the Catholic Charity organization focus on addressing food, holiday, and immigration needs.
Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charity centers for help.
Catholic Charities in Fort Smith, Arkansas are open to families on a first-come, first-serve basis. The centers operate during normal business hours, and provide walk-ins with groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal.
The food pantries are like grocery stores, allow clients the ability to choose the items they need from the groceries that are available on site.
First-time clients of the food pantry will need to apply, and this is done from a one-page application. An applicant will need to provide basic household member as well as demographic information.
We have located 0 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Fort Smith, Arkansas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St Vincent De Paul Food Pantry
The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry operates around Fort Smith, Arkansas much like a grocery store where people in need can choose their own food. It helps to enhance their personal dignity and reduces waste due to unwanted food items.
It also helps them to be proactive in addressing any underlying health issues. This is our model of choice for food pantries in the future.
We have located 0 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Fort Smith, Arkansas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
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The Little Food Pantry Movement
Barbie Johnson, a Fort Smith resident, had an idea to place the first little free pantry in the city in 2016.
Johnson wanted to bring joy and hope to her community during a difficult time in her life when she was missing her children who had grown and were traveling or moving away. She was inspired by Jessica McClard, who created the first little free pantry in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
The Creekmore Park Community Pantry marked its fifth anniversary in September.
“Its a great help for those who find themselves in a hard spot, and then down the road, they end up … giving back, and thats just remarkable, Johnson said. Its really the way it should be.
Since 2016, there have been at least 18 little free pantries in operation in Fort Smith. Each is independently run and relies on donations from community members, nonprofits and religious organizations.
Some little pantries have disappeared or closed operations due to COVID-19. Currently, there are at least 10 active pantries across the city.
Linda Reed, the church secretary at St. Luke Lutheran Church, regularly stocks the food pantry at 5401 Free Ferry Road. We have some people who come and ring the doorbell. Before COVID, they would come and hug me, and all their kids would hug me, Reed said. They were just so grateful and appreciative.
She visits the pantry multiple times throughout the day, to ensure that multiple families can receive donations.
River Valley Organizations Provide Thanksgiving Meals For The Community
FORT SMITH — Several Fort Smith area organizations are providing food for residents who can’t afford to eat out on the holiday.
The Salvation Army of Fort Smith will serve a meal to anyone in need from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 301 N. Sixth St. downtown. Those who would like to donate to the Salvation Army can mail donations to that address as well.
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church is hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner to the public starting at noon. The church is at 2701 Old Greenwood Road in Fort Smith.
Tracy Engel, director of the River Valley Regional Food Bank, said via email the organization would be able to serve its clients through its pantry network with the help of partnerships, media coverage and the nonprofit group Feeding America. It has 168 partner agencies and serves about 98,000 people per month across Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Polk, Scott, Sebastian and Yell counties.
Engel said the food bank is seeing about a 30% increase in the need for food this year compared to about this time in 2021. She noted inflation has made it difficult for working families to afford to sit down to a full Thanksgiving meal when costs for other things, such as utilities, are also rising.
Kara Crowley, coordinator for student activities and civic engagement at the university, said 250 people received about 12,000 pounds of food through the event. Fifty students, staff and faculty also volunteered to help with Antioch’s Thanksgiving Giveaway.
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From Little Wooden Box To Full
Food insecurity is a widespread issue across Fort Smith. A 2019 study conducted by the Urban Institute found that one in four children was food insecure in Sebastian County. According to the Fort Smith School District, about 73% of students receive free or reduced lunch.
St. Bartholomew’s began placing non-perishable food items in the pantry, but the box would often empty out quickly with one person clear the whole thing out as opposed to taking what you need and leaving the rest, Briggs said.
In order to provide for more people and increase the types of food offered, St. Bartholomews opened a food pantry inside the church in 2020. The pantry serves anyone in need and has a special section for veterans.
“When I started it was a few bags of groceries and then we finally got to the system I use now, which is family bags packed with basic stuff in them, said Maranda Leeper, director of the food pantry. … We actually had to expand and buy more shelves. We have three freezers, and we work with the food bank.
The giving box now works in tandem with the churchs food pantry, helping the organization to reduce food waste.
When we see something that looks like its getting to a date where we dont feel like it is good to serve, we immediately put that in the giving box because we know itll go away very quickly, Briggs said.
About Our Fort Smith Location On Phoenix Avenue
Welcome to Armstrong Bank in Fort Smith, AR. Since 1909, Armstrong Bank has taken pride in providing exceptional customer service to our business and personal banking customers. Our Fort Smith location on Phoenix Avenue opened in 2003. You can find us at the corner of Phoenix and Massard. We also have a separate mortgage building next to the bank.
As your community bank with locations across Oklahoma and Arkansas, our banking experts live and work in the communities they proudly serve. Armstrong bankers in Fort Smith dedicate their time and talents to a wide variety of community organizations. For several years, we have hosted the Give Where You Live food drive supporting the River Valley Food Bank.
When you visit our Armstrong Bank location, you can expect to be greeted with a friendly smile and warm coffee. On Fridays, we offer complimentary popcorn or cookies.
Our Fort Smith bankers strive to achieve customer satisfaction every day by providing a complete menu of financial products delivered in a prompt, friendly and professional manner. Choose between our two lanes of drive-thru banking and lobby service. We also have a drive-up ATM for your convenience.
Looking for a bank in Fort Smith? Let us exceed your expectations. Visit us on Phoenix Avenue today!
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Northwest Arkansas Food Bank
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Northwest Arkansas Food Bank was established in 1988 by a group of concerned citizens who saw the need for hunger assistance in Benton, Washington, Madison and Carroll counties. In 2017 the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank distributed more than 12.5 million pounds of food. Together with more than 160 partner agencies, the food bank is able to reach out to those in need providing nutritious food to children, the working poor and senior citizens. The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is an affiliate of Feeding America and a founding member of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.