Arkansas Foodbank Network

The Arkansas Foodbank Network distributed more than 8.5 million pounds of food and grocery products to hungry Arkansans last year. That’s about 34,000 pounds per day serving more than 23,000 hungry Arkansans per month, says Executive Director Phyllis Haynes, who’s in her eighth year at the helm of the nonprofit.

“We seek to create a community where no one has to go hungry,” Haynes said.

The Arkansas Foodbank Network has been working to eliminate hunger in the state since 1984. It works in conjunction with more than 450 member agencies in 33 central and southern Arkansas counties, which include food pantries, soup kitchens and programs that assist low-income elderly people and children, among many other outreach programs. Those affiliates and partnerships increase the efficiency and impact of the organization.

For example, Haynes said, the Arkansas Foodbank Network is a member of America’s Second Harvest, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization. That partnership allows AFN to import from other states nearly half of the total food that’s distributed to Arkansans, and sets ethical standards regarding food value and safety, with which AFN complies.

Food procurement, distribution and transportation are also aided through AFN’s membership in the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, a statewide association made up of six food banks and various food rescue organizations.

One of the challenges facing the AFN is the growth of third-party retailers, such as dollar stores, that makes it more difficult to secure food and salvage donations. Haynes said AFN is increasing its public outreach to raise more money for food purchase and product drives and working to expand pick-ups at individual retail locations.