Farmers and Merchants Bank has been awarded the Acting Out Against Hunger Award for its significant contributions to combating hunger in Arkansas. The recognition was presented during the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance 2026 Hunger Action Month breakfast held in Little Rock last Thursday.
The award is given annually to individuals, businesses, and organizations demonstrating exceptional support for the Alliance and its partnership with the six Feeding America food banks that serve the state. Farmers and Merchants Bank was specifically acknowledged for its efforts in supporting the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas (FBNCA) to "Build Bridges from Hunger to Hope."
Farmers and Merchants Bank has played a crucial role in several food assistance initiatives, including disaster relief, the Mobile Food Pantry Program, and organized food drives. The bank also serves as an annual co-sponsor of the Mountain Home Farmers Market and hosts the Food Bank’s annual Farm to Fork Dinner.
“We are grateful to have such amazing partners in our work,” said Jeff Quick, CEO of the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas. “The Food Bank is blessed by the many ways that Farmers and Merchants has supported our work over the years, and we’re thrilled to be able to recognize their contributions through this year’s award.”
The Food Bank of North Central Arkansas was established in 1982 and operates as a private nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3). The organization is a founding member of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and distributes around 4.5 million pounds of food and grocery products annually. It supports community food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, backpack programs, and meal initiatives for summer and afterschool programs. Combined, these services impact an estimated 20,000 individuals each month across the Food Bank's nine-county service area.