COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank
As we move into the fall months, keeping our community fed and warm is on the top of our minds. The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank works year-round to ensure our brothers and sisters are getting enough to eat. We were proud to recognize them as our Organization Of The Year in 2021.
And we’re proud to see them continuing their good works in service to these basic and critical community needs. In August, they announced plans to open FEED ROGERS, a full service, client choice food pantry at 212 South 13th. Following renovations, the pantry will open in late 2021 or early 2022. FEED ROGERS will emulate the normal shopping experience allowing the food insecure individual to choose with dignity the food his or her family will use.
“When we allow our neighbors to choose their own food, we're giving them the power to write their own story. We're encouraging a dignified experience where neighbors feel respected by staff and volunteers, and hopefully breaking down the barrier of giver and receiver,” Sabrina Thiede, director of programs for the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank said.
FEED ROGERS will be open extended days and hours to accommodate those neighbors who are working but still need some help putting food on the table, eventually operating 5 days per week. The location was chosen specifically due to it’s proximity to the Center for Non-profits and the Community Clinic, both existing partners of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank who offer services to enhance the entire life of the neighbors who will use the pantry
“The main idea behind Feed Rogers is to change the food pantry model from transitional to transformational. People who are living in poverty and that are food insecure often feel isolated and full of stress and anxiety. By working with other community partners, we can work closely with our neighbors to create a safe environment where help and healing coexist and our neighbors are on a path to self-empowerment,” Thiede added.
Follow the important, life-changing work of the NWA Food Bank at nwafoodbank.org.