First Ward pantry offers free food
The First Ward Living Grace Pantry, in partnership with the Arkansas Foodbank, will host free food giveaways to support people facing food insecurity.
The food distribution will take place at three locations:
Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. — Mt. Bayou Missionary Church, 305 Edline St., Altheimer.
Wednesday, 2 p.m. — Trinity Annex, 2900 W. Sixth Ave., Pine Bluff.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Saturday, noon to 2 p.m. — First Ward Living Grace, 1201 Commerce Road.
The locations are official FWLGP distributing partners and will be providing fresh produce, nonperishable items, and other groceries free while supplies last. No pre-registration is required. Participants are encouraged to arrive early and bring containers or boxes for carrying food, according to a news release.
“With so many families worried about possible delays in SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, it’s vital that we come together as a community to make sure no one goes hungry,” said Debra Strickland Allen, executive director of First Ward Living Grace Pantry. “Thanks to the Arkansas Foodbank and our dedicated volunteers, we’re able to serve Jefferson County and surrounding communities at a critical time.”
The pantry has served Pine Bluff and Jefferson County residents for more than seven years, providing food assistance, community outreach and education to promote health, dignity and hope for all, according to the release.
For more information, volunteer opportunities, or to donate, contact First Ward Living Grace Pantry at (479) 301-1096, firstwardpantry@gmail.com, or visit https://www.facebook.com/firstwardpantry.
Brookshire donates money to food banks
Brookshire Grocery Company is donating $500,000 to food banks impacted by the government shutdown. The company will make contributions to agencies where its stores operate in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma, according to a news release.
Brookshire operates several stores in Jefferson County including three Super 1 Foods in Pine Bluff and one Brookshire store in White Hall.
This contribution reflects BGC’s commitment to fighting hunger and supporting the communities that support its stores. This donation will be used to help bridge the meal gap for families facing food insecurity, according to the release.
In addition to this donation, BGC is hosting its annual holiday food drives. Through Dec. 16, customers at all Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, Spring Market, FRESH by Brookshire’s, Reasor’s and FRESH by Reasor’s can contribute by donating at checkout using scan coupons. All funds collected will be distributed to local service organizations and food pantries to help feed families in need this holiday season.
Sheriff’s office addresses AI hoax
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, which is responsible for the rule and custody of the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center and detainees, is addressing what it calls a false video circulated on social media.
The clip depicts suspected detainees frying chicken in cell toilets and did not originate from the detention center, according to a news release.
The video is generated using artificial intelligence, according to a news release. The detention center states it does not and has never issued tan or brown standardized uniforms. Detainees wear orange one piece jumpsuits only. The audio also references a person identified as Captain Adams, even though the individual who previously held that rank retired in February 2024 and is no longer on staff.
Assistant Administrator Major Jeremy Bennett cautioned the public about the growing misuse of generative tools.
“It is dangerous and irresponsible when people use AI to fabricate realistic looking videos just to chase likes, shares, and monetization,” Bennett said. “These hoaxes mislead the public, smear public servants, and can incite unnecessary tension. We are asking community members to pause, verify, and think critically before engaging with or amplifying this kind of content.”
The sheriff’s office has documented the post and preserved relevant metadata. Platform integrity teams have been notified, and the agency will pursue all remedies available under law and under platform policy when fabricated content harms public trust or threatens institutional security. The public can help by declining to share suspect content that rewards hoaxes with engagement, by reporting such content through platform tools for misinformation and impersonation, and by verifying information directly with the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. underscored the seriousness of AI enabled misinformation.
“AI is powerful, and in the wrong hands, it is often used with ill intent,” Woods said. “Our duty is to protect the public and operate our jail safely and transparently. We will not allow false narratives to undermine that mission. If you see sensational content about DBDC, verify the source and check with us before you share.”