BROOKLAND, Ark. — In recognition of National Hunger Action Month this September, Domino's stores across Arkansas are teaming up to help combat food insecurity in the state. The statewide initiative is collecting canned goods to support local food banks as hunger continues to affect thousands of Arkansans.
According to the Arkansas Foodbank, food distributions have nearly doubled over the past decade as more families face challenges in meeting basic needs. A recent survey by the organization revealed that nearly half of households in the state require some form of assistance to ensure consistent access to food.
From September 15 through September 30, all 85 Domino’s locations in Arkansas are participating in a two-week food drive. Customers are encouraged to drop off canned goods at any store, where collection boxes have been set up. Franchise owner Ty Turner explained how the donations will be gathered and distributed at the end of the drive.
“Every store in the state of Arkansas [is involved]... From the 15th until the 30th, we’re also going to be accepting donations. So you can bring in your canned foods. There’s going to be boxes in all the local stores. And then the local food banks are going to pick them up on the 30th,” Turner said.
Turner emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing hunger, noting that the initiative is driven by a focus on neighbors supporting neighbors.
“We heard about kind of all the folks in our local communities that are affected by hunger. And so it was a big deal for us to be able to be a part of our communities, have our team members, and have all of our customers as well, be able to work together and help those neighbors in need,” Turner said.
Residents who find themselves in need of assistance can connect with area resources by contacting the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas or visiting foodbankofnea.org.
National Hunger Action Month, observed every September, brings attention to food insecurity across the country and encourages collaborative efforts like this one to help families put food on their tables.