Promoting Local Hunger Relief Organizations

A major purpose of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance is to ensure there is a viable and thriving distribution system at the local level in the state of Arkansas. The Alliance passes through thousands of dollars of grant money each year to their local agencies and pantries. In 2009 the Alliance gave out 162 mini-grants worth $309,586 to local hunger relief organizations across the state. These grants went to purchase items that would build the capacity of that organization better serve their clients. Items such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves, serving utensils and facility improvements were at the top of the list.

Additionally, the Alliance works directly with many local agencies to distribute fresh fruits and vegetables from the gleaning efforts and to accept food from the annual Spirit of Giving Campaign.

The Alliance believes that the local organizations are the heart and soul of the distribution system in our state. If local agencies lack the ability to store and distribute food all the food procuring efforts will be for nothing.

If you are a local organization and want to become a member of the Alliance and be eligible for these funds download a membership form and information. The cost of membership is only $25 annually for a local organization and $125 annually for a statewide or regional organization.