Foodbanks across the state of Arkansas see increased need for food and donations during the holidays at a time when many low-income families need the most help. According to a report from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture rank Arkansas first in severe and overall hunger. The National Foundation to End Senior Hunger ranks the state first in senior hunger and Feeding America ranks Arkansas third in child hunger.
According to President and CEO of the Foodbank of North Central Arkansas, Jeff Quick, during the holidays staff are doing double the amount of work they normally see.
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Quick says 78% of the households they serve have incomes that fall at or below the federal poverty level, with guidelines varying by household size.
When the survey was done a single person falls under 100% of the poverty level with an annual income of $11,400 or less, two people would fall below that mark with an income of $15,510 or less and families with three or more would fall below the poverty level with an annual income of $19,530 or less.
The number of children needing food in the Twin Lakes Area is relatively high.
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There are a number of ways the public can help.
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Donations can also be made by gong to their website foodbanknca.org. The foodbank is also selling cookbooks for ten dollars which will provide 25 meals and Christmas cards for a donation. For more information call (870)499-7565.
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