Dig deeper into the data on food insecurity in Arkansas – key factors that contribute to it, the health impacts, and possible solutions for our state. Click here.
NEXT GRANT OPPORTUNITY: The Community Foundation’s next statewide grant cycle for food security is for the ACCESS TO LOCAL FOODS grants. Applications will open on Oct. 28, 2024. Click here to learn more and begin the application process. We will invite applications for projects that will increase Arkansans’ access to locally grown and produced foods and/or strengthen the local food ecosystem.
Arkansas Community Foundation’s Food Security focus area is aimed at reducing food insecurity and increasing the number of Arkansans who have consistent, secure access to healthy food.
To understand how numerous factors influence access to healthy food, we connect with partners such as the Access to Healthy Foods Research Group in the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute and UAMS, the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, Healthy Active Arkansas and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School and Early Childhood Education program.
These partners across Arkansas agree that food security is dependent on a strong resilient food system that goes beyond simply getting food to people. With that in mind, the Community Foundation has provided statewide Access to Local Foods Grants, to assist organizations in their efforts to make fresh foods more accessible.
Burthel Thomas is one of the growers that partners with the Food Farmacy. Thomas always aspired to be a farmer and
now owns 275 acres in Jefferson County.
James White, director of the Elaine Legacy Center, has made it his mission to improve the life for the 600 or so residents
of Elaine.
Current grants include support for programs such as the Elaine Legacy Center’s Vacant Lot Farming project, Delta Circles Delta Farmers Business Incubator, Communities Unlimited Jefferson County Food Farmacy Pilot, and the University of Ozarks Clarksville Food Hub. These organizations help provide Arkansas families with fresh foods and, along with other grantees, are working to build healthy local food systems throughout Arkansas.
Is your organization looking for funding opportunities to combat food insecurity in Arkansas? In addition to occasional statewide grants offered by the Community Foundation central office, learn more about possible grant opportunities focused on food security in our local affiliate areas and how to apply here.
