Since most of the holidays are food-centric, the impact of hunger on our communities has become more pronounced.  

According to the U.S. Census American Community Survey, in 2019, more than 16% of people in Sebastian County experienced poverty. Feeding America, the country's largest hunger relief organization, estimates that one in eight people in the country may suffer hunger by 2021 due to increased food insecurity during the pandemic.  

To help your community, here is a five-step guide to creating a food drive.  

Before collecting canned food or placing a collection box, please contact your local food bank or food store to see what you need.  

The River Valley Regional Food Bank lists 40 urgently needed items on its website www.rvrfoodbank.org.  

"They usually make staples in food drives... can be like any canned food, canned vegetables, cereals, oatmeal, canned meat, sugar, flour, peanut butter, you know, the basics," Tracy Engel Said the director of the food bank. 

Justin Bates, director of marketing and development, said: “Anything that can be stored on the shelf for a long time, that the family can eat in bulk, or anything that can make multiple meals.” 

Those interested in launching a food initiative for the benefit of food banks should contact Bates or DeLandy Russell, Institutional Relations and USDA Coordinator at 479-785-0582. Bates can help create flyers and provide collection boxes. 

Make sure that the food bank or pantry can use the items you plan to donate. Although the donor may be well-intentioned, the River Valley Regional Food Bank cannot accept items such as homemade products, fresh produce, or venison that do not have a USDA label.   

In the past, some people would leave a bag of fresh produce and other items outside the food bank.  

"We can't use it because we don't know what happened to the product before we got here. We always try to be vigilant about it," Engel said. "We let people clean their cabinets and bring their spices and things to us. If it is opened, we can't use it. It must be new and in the store's unopened condition." 

"Just make sure the integrity of the food you collect is not compromised," Bates said. 

Whether it’s with your colleagues, a book club or a religious group, it’s easier to host a food event with your team.  

Determine the goal and the type of food you wish to collect. Also, set the date for how long you want the food drive to last. 

Together with your group, choose a location for your collection box and then promote it. Bates said that he saw flyers, social media and word of mouth all contribute to a successful food promotion.  

He said: "If we know that they are hosting a food event and they will post relevant information on social media, I will share it on our social media."  

After the meal delivery event is over, please contact the Food Bank to arrange a time to deliver the meal at 1617 South Zero Street, Fort Smith. If there is a large amount of donations, "we are very happy to accept," Engel said. 

In addition to carrying out food promotion activities, we are also committed to let ourselves understand the impact of hunger, and use your creativity to find new ideas and contribute to local non-profit organizations.  

If you like homemade food such as baked goods, you can hold a bake sale and donate the proceeds to the food bank.  

Other ideas include starting a fundraising contest between your colleagues or school.  

In addition, please consider participating in Hunger Action Month next September. Action Hunger Month is a day for the "Feed America" ​​network food bank, food pantry, and community members to work together to solve the nation's food insecurity.  

By giving back during this holiday, you can not only provide food for those in need, but also sow seeds to inspire generosity in the community.