The Arkansas Community Foundation has announced the launch of the Arkansas Full Table Fund, a statewide initiative aimed at tackling food insecurity through sustainable, community-focused solutions. The program is supported by a $10 million grant from the Walmart Foundation and additional contributions from Tyson Foods and Cargill.
Starting October 1, nonprofit organizations across the state can apply for grants aimed at improving access to federal nutrition programs, boosting food system capacity, and advancing community-led solutions to hunger. Applications will remain open through December 7.
“When we talk about the future of our state, it starts at the table,” said Jessica Hughes Ford, President and CEO of Arkansas Community Foundation. “Arkansas is a state of unmatched natural abundance and neighborly pride, yet far too many of our families face empty plates. The Arkansas Full Table Fund is built on a clear, simple principle: we are supporting smart, scalable solutions so every Arkansan gets the food they need.”
The Full Table Fund represents a collaborative effort uniting public agencies, agricultural producers, and corporate partners across Arkansas. According to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the initiative aligns with the state’s broader focus on eliminating food insecurity. “I am incredibly grateful to the Arkansas Community Foundation and the Walmart Foundation for developing this initiative to help ensure Arkansans have access to the nutritious foods they need to thrive,” Sanders said.
Dr. Marvin Carr-Ligons, Senior Director of the National Foundation at Walmart, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “The Arkansas Full Table Fund creates a clear, measurable roadmap for cross-sector collaboration. We are proud to encourage leaders across Arkansas to join us at the table,” he stated.
Tyson Foods, a major supporter, echoed similar optimism. “Addressing food insecurity takes partnerships in ideas, resources, and scale to fully realize workable solutions,” said Tim Grailer, Head of Community Impact at Tyson Foods. “We’re excited to be a part of this big step forward for Arkansas.”
U.S. Senator John Boozman also highlighted the initiative, calling it an example of how Arkansas’s agricultural strength can be harnessed to ensure food reaches those in need. “The Arkansas Full Table Fund reflects our state’s continued commitment to fighting hunger and addressing food insecurity,” Boozman said.
The fund’s development follows a series of community conversations and focus groups held across Arkansas in 2025 to identify the investments most needed to address hunger.
For more information, including grant eligibility criteria and application details, visit https://www.arcf.org/fulltable.