The Food Bank of North Central Arkansas is transforming energy efficiency into meals for families in need across the region. The Mountain Home-based organization has received a $4,250 incentive from Entergy Arkansas after completing projects under the Entergy Solutions Core Continuous Energy Improvement initiative, according to a statement from Entergy officials.
Mark Martin, customer service manager with Entergy Arkansas, explained that by helping the food bank lower its energy costs, Entergy contributes to putting more food on local tables. The food bank earned the incentive by attending energy efficiency workshops and implementing simple but impactful changes, such as adjusting thermostats during non-operational hours and powering down unused equipment like computers and printers. These efforts have reduced the food bank’s annual electricity consumption by approximately 3.5%.
Entergy energy coach Alexis Teal noted that the $4,250 incentive, combined with an estimated $880 in annual utility savings, represents a meaningful benefit for the food bank. "It's another way we can support their mission," Teal added.
According to Jeff Quick, CEO of the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas, the utility savings and incentive will directly advance the organization’s mission to combat hunger in the region. Quick stated that these funds have been channeled into meal distribution, with the savings projected to provide nearly 30,000 meals.
The Food Bank of North Central Arkansas has served the community for more than 40 years and distributes over 4.5 million pounds of food annually through its network of local hunger relief partners. Quick emphasized that even modest operational changes can have a profound impact, underscoring the value of resourcefulness in stretching every dollar to fight food insecurity.
For families, children, and seniors served across North Central Arkansas, this efficiency effort demonstrates how community support and innovative solutions can work hand in hand to address hunger on a meaningful scale.