The food pantry at White Drive Baptist Church in Batesville, which began operations in December, has become a vital resource for many residents in Independence County and surrounding areas. Operated entirely by volunteers, the pantry offers food, assistance, and a compassionate approach to people facing food insecurity, homelessness, and other challenges.
David Scarbrough, a volunteer and coordinator for the ministry, said the pantry prioritizes meeting people where they are and addressing their needs with dignity. “We’re not judgmental of anybody – we serve everybody,” Scarbrough said. Each interaction, whether it involves providing food, offering prayer at a designated prayer station, or connecting guests with additional resources, reflects the group’s mission of support and kindness.
One story Scarbrough shared highlights the depth of the ministry's commitment. A man living in his car had been regularly visiting the pantry and was observed scanning food labels due to dietary restrictions. A volunteer struck up a conversation with him and discovered he lacked basic necessities, including a bowl. The next time he visited, she gave him one, bringing him visible relief. “He was so excited to get a bowl instead of having to eat out of a can,” Scarbrough recalled.
The pantry started as an initiative to help church members in need but soon expanded to serve the broader community. Partnering with the Arkansas Foodbank, the church transitioned from a small storage closet to a gymnasium-sized space to accommodate the growing demand. Clients can now choose their items in a “choice pantry” model, which Scarbrough noted promotes dignity and reduces waste. The pantry serves clients from as far away as Horseshoe Bend, Bald Knob, and Newport, with recent statistics showing 378 households – amounting to 1,285 individuals – served in a single month.
Independence County has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in Arkansas, a state ranked as the most food-insecure in the U.S. by percentage of its population, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Data from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap research shows that 21.2% of residents in the county experience food insecurity. This pressing need has spurred an increasing reliance on the pantry, with clients lining up as early as 7 a.m., even in 100-degree temperatures, to ensure they receive assistance when doors open at 10 a.m.
To better address the community’s diverse needs, the pantry has added evening hours once a month and ensures that translators are available to help non-English-speaking clients navigate conversations and paperwork. The pantry also collaborates with medical agencies and other organizations to provide additional resources, including housing, employment assistance, and utility assistance. Agencies like the Alpha Center and Family Violence Prevention have partnered with the church to offer information directly to individuals on pantry days.
In the event of a natural disaster, the pantry is also equipped to serve as a community resource center in partnership with the Arkansas Foodbank, distributing emergency supplies to those affected. Scarbrough emphasized the importance of collaboration and regularly works with other local pantries to share surplus items. For instance, when the pantry recently received six pallets of mangoes, they distributed the excess to other organizations.
The pantry relies entirely on donations and volunteers, and Scarbrough said their continued operation feels like a testament to answered prayers. Despite financial and logistical challenges, the pantry has managed to endure, sometimes receiving donations just in time to cover bills. Volunteers, ranging from teenagers to retirees, regularly step up during busy times, such as a recent summer produce drop.
Looking ahead, Scarbrough expressed hope that other organizations and community members will continue supporting the pantry. He highlighted stories of individuals who have gone from homelessness to stability with the pantry’s support as reminders of its impact.
The White Drive Baptist Church food pantry is located at 445 White Drive in Batesville. Clients may get food twice per month by presenting identification. For additional information or to make a donation, email foodpantry@whitedrivebaptist.org or visit the ministry’s Facebook page. Evening hours are available on the first Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m.