In response to more people being without food, the Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas began a hunger action campaign Monday across its 10 counties to collect food for residents in need.
Area Agency CEO and President Betty Bradshaw said Southeast Arkansas has many people who do not have enough food. As part of the campaign, the agency is partnering with businesses who are asking employees to donate non-perishable food items through Friday, Sept. 26.
“We are aware of the problem of people going without food in Arkansas,” Bradshaw said. “Older people and children are suffering the most. Many older people are unable to leave the house to get food. … We get calls every day from people who have no food whatsoever.”
Area Agency employees are asking people to donate food at its office at 709 E. Eighth Ave., the home health office at 200 E. 11th Ave. Suite K and the senior center at 801 E. Eighth Ave. People are asked to donate non-perishables foods, canned foods, cereals and macaroni.
People who live outside of Jefferson County may bring food to their local area agency office in Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew, Grant and Lincoln counties. This campaign is to meet the existing needs of people, especially senior citizens and people with disabilities. The donated food will be stored in a locked room and remain in the county in which it is donated.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Agency case workers visit people in their homes, finding some people have empty refrigerators, Bradshaw said. However, many people do not request food even though they need it, she said.
AmeriCorps Direct member Elizabeth Baker said that one in five Arkansans do not know the source of their next meal. These people face further hardships if they experience a medical emergency or automobile repairs, as these are costly financial burdens and often prevent them from being at work, she said.
“The good news is hunger is a solvable problem,” Baker said.
The Hunger Action Campaign continues through Friday, Sept. 26. The donated food will be kept in a secure location and be provided to people in need beginning next week.
Arkansas State Rep. James Word said that senior citizens can call their local agency office to inquire about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a federally funded program that helps qualifying senior citizens. Case workers will help senior citizens apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. These seniors may call to schedule an appointment. They can also apply online at www.access.arkansas.gov or at the Department of Human Services, 1222 W. Sixth Ave., in Pine Bluff.
Word said he is pledging $1,000 from the Arkansas House of Representatives General Improvement Fund to the Hunger Action Campaign. The campaign is meant to help people immediately, whereas the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is meant to assist people in the long term, he said.
Agency employees recognize hungry people who are unable to pay for food at the store and give their own money, Bradshaw said. The reality that people are struggling is their motivation, she said.
“We will provide food right away,” Bradshaw said. “Unfortunately, most seniors wait until they are desperate, without any food in the house.”