The city of Little Rock has partnered with the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and the Little Rock Food Commission to assist those impacted by the government shutdown.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott hosted a press conference at City Hall Friday in which he said that nearly 3,300 Pulaski County residents are impacted by the federal freeze on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, including 4,598 furloughed government employees.
“Food insecurity is one of the biggest challenges facing Arkansas, with more than 70,000 people in Pulaski County regularly experiencing it. Nearly 3,300 of our neighbors are directly impacted by this SNAP freeze, including 4,598 furloughed government employees,” he said. “Through partnerships with organizations like the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and local businesses, we are committed to assisting as many individuals as possible and closing the gap when federal support is paused.”
Through this collaboration, students in the Little Rock School District who are identified as affected will receive grocery gift cards donated by Edwards Food Giant. Local restaurateurs are also joining the effort, including Daniel Bryant, owner of Hill Station, who is donating additional gift cards to support impacted residents. The city of Little Rock’s Food Commission, led by chairman Kevin Shalin, is helping raise awareness and support the coordination and distribution of resources alongside the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. Individuals seeking assistance will need to provide proof of SNAP eligibility.
Community members can help expand this effort by donating littlerock.gov/lrcares. Contributions will directly increase the number of gift cards available for distribution.
The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance will oversee logistics to ensure resources reach impacted individuals.
Meanwhile, Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde and Pastor William L. Robinson of North Little Rock’s First Baptist Church announced a community effort to distribute free dinners to 50 local families affected by the loss of SNAP food assistance caused by the recent federal government shutdown. Meals are provided by K-Hall & Sons Produce of Little Rock.
An official announcement is set for Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. at the church, located at 811 S.A. Jones Drive.
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