September is Hunger Action Month, a campaign led by Feeding America and its member food banks that encourages everyone to take action and fight hunger in communities nationwide. The Arkansas Foodbank is central Arkansas' local member of the national network, and they report that one in five Arkansans struggle with hunger and one in four seniors and children are facing food insecurity.

How can you and your family help? There are lots of organizations to serve and ways to give back to your local community. Here are just a few!

1. Attend an Arkansas Foodbank event!
  • Drive Away Hunger on Sept. 26: This family-friendly and casual event is held on the grounds of the Arkansas Foodbank and features a BBQ dinner from Whole Hog Café as well as live entertainment from the B Flats. Enjoy a silent auction, activities for kids and much more! The event will be from 5-8 p.m. Sept. 26. Tickets can be purchased at ArkansasFoodbank.org.
  • Little Rocktoberfest on Sept. 19: Head to the Arkansas State Fairgrounds from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 19 and enjoy beverages and food from a variety of vendors at Arkansas’s largest beer festival. The event will be hosted by Central Arkansas Fermenters and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Arkansas Foodbank. Tickets can be purchased online at LittleRocktoberfest.com.
  • Planned Giving Workshop on Sept. 29: Create a lasting impact for years to come at the Foodbank by joining the Legacy of Hope. Planned giving allows you to continue to support hunger relief for years to come. The Planned Giving Workshop, held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 in the Arkansas Foodbank’s Community Room, will provide detailed information on planned giving and how you can create a better future for thousands of Arkansans. Please RSVP to jbelt@arkansasfoodbank.org.
2. Dine out for No Kid Hungry!

Restaurants across the country are donating a portion of their proceeds to the No Kid Hungry campaign during the month of September. The Arkansas No Kid Hungry campaign improves access to nutritious food programs for families who need it, including school breakfast, summer meals and after-school meals. Participating restaurants include IHOP, Mooyah Burgers, Romano's Macaroni Grill, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in Little Rock, Orange Leaf, Mellow Mushroom, Bravo and more. For a full list of restaurants, click here.

3. Donate to the Salvation Army's food pantries!

The Salvation Army of Central Arkansas served nearly 200 families last month, and their food supplies are running low. You can help them continue to provide resources to local families by donating nonperishable food items, diapers and personal hygiene products to one of their locations:

  • Little Rock: 1111 W. Markham; open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
  • North Little Rock: 1505 W. 18th St.; open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon., Wed., Fri.
  • Benton: 129 N. Main St.; open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tue., Thu.