Jonesboro, Ark. — With the start of a new school year, families may feel the financial strain of purchasing school supplies and clothing, leaving less room in their budgets for groceries. The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas is stepping in to assist those who may be struggling to put food on the table.
Rebecca Hendricks, the food bank's chief development officer, noted the importance of programs designed to support families. “One of the great things I think that Arkansas does is we have universal free breakfast,” Hendricks said, highlighting a statewide program that ensures students can receive breakfast at no cost. She added that many schools also participate in the school pantry program. These pantries allow students to bring food home, benefiting entire families, not just individual students.
To help families locate additional resources, the food bank’s website offers schedules and locations for food pantries across the region. It also provides a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) screener, enabling users to check their eligibility for benefits.
For more information about local pantry hours and locations, visit the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas website.