On any given day, patrons line up to get a hot, homemade lunch served at Neighbor to Neighbor.
But this day was different. Places were set at the many tables and those streaming through the front door were invited to find a seat and be served. Waiting on them were staff and volunteers who filled tea glasses and visited.
Then Oscar Bullard Jr. got busy. By day, he’s a special agent with the Arkansas State Police, where he has served for 24 years and now investigates violent crimes. But perhaps more people know him for his prowess in the kitchen – think Bullsden BBQ and Catering – where he specializes in mouth-watering pulled pork dinners with all the fixings. And, heavens, don’t forget the banana pudding.
Bullard, surrounded by his Phi Beta Sigma fraternity brothers, was part of several special events being held this summer at Neighbor to Neighbor, which is celebrating its 40-year anniversary. On this day, Bullard had been invited by director Pat Tate to prepare the lunch at the food pantry as a “celebrity chef.” He said he and the fraternity members saw it as a way to give back to the community.
“We had talked about doing something nice for Neighbor to Neighbor,” Bullard said. “When Ms. Tate approached me, we talked about the menu, and we put it together and presented it. That’s one of the main things we do.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Other than the pulled pork on a bun, there was potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw and smoked sausage slathered in barbecue sauce.
“It’s what we’re known for,” Bullard said. “It’s a popular summer meal. I almost forgot the banana pudding, but Pat reminded me. It’s the most asked about item we have.”
The fraternity members, which included Justin Harmon, a collegiate member of the Beta Theta fraternity at UAPB, made quick work of delivering the platefuls of food to those patiently waiting. While several of the services Neighbor to Neighbor provides are needs-based, anyone can walk in and have lunch. Some had driven to the pantry while others had walked or ridden bicycles. After getting their food, many bowed their heads and gave thanks.
“This was great,” said Wheeler Conway, who says he has lunch at Neighbor to Neighbor almost every day. “I didn’t know who Oscar Bullard was but now I do!”
“Thank you,” said another person as they headed for the door. “That was very nice. You guys did great.”
Conway was one of about 135 who took part in the special lunch.
As a nonprofit, Neighbor to Neighbor is dependent on donations, both big and small. But the celebrity chief events are focused on doing something special for the pantry’s clients, Tate said.
“Neighbor to Neighbor is a community within a community,” she said. “By pooling our resources and working with other nonprofits, we can begin to make a significant difference in people’s lives. This means more than just handing out food; it means building self-confidence and finding inner healing. By providing special lunches like this, we are saying that each individual matters and that everyone is welcome in this community. I want to thank Oscar and his fraternity for helping make that happen.”
In addition to the daily lunches, Neighbor to Neighbor provides clients with food, clothing, household goods and assistance with utility bills and medication.
“Each month we hand out more than 750 sacks of food to more than 700 families,” Tate said. “We partner with the Arkansas Food Bank, United Way, Doctor’s Orders Pharmacy and many many churches and organizations to fulfill our mission. Without the support of these organizations and donations from many caring individuals, businesses and civic organizations, we would not be able to assist more than 5,000 people each year.”
In June, the celebrity chef was Donna Terrell, news anchor at Fox 16. Next month, Brad Thomas, co-owner of Southern Edge Truck Stop and Eatery and who also has a catering business, is scheduled to tie on the apron and make the day special.
Robert Jackson, a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, delivers food to Neighbor to Neighbor patrons. (Pine Bluff Commercial/Byron Tate)
Neighbor to Neighbor is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with three ‘celebrity chiefs’ this summer who are preparing meals for patrons. (Pine Bluff Commercial/Byron Tate)