Agency Resource Page

Arkansas Foodbank Agency Partners — if you or your neighbors could benefit from clear, practical financial guidance, Better Money Habits, a free education platform from Bank of America, offers easy‑to‑understand videos, articles, and tools covering saving, budgeting, credit, debt, homeownership, personal banking, and more. The site is designed to help individuals strengthen their financial skills and make confident money decisions.

This can be a helpful link to share with clients seeking financial stability, as well as agency staff who want to strengthen their own understanding of personal finance.

BetterMoneyHabits.bankofamerica.com

Arkansas Foodbank Agency Partners — New Grant Writing Resource

We’re excited to share the Membership Grant Writing & Technical Assistance 101 Training hosted by the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance! This Zoom session is perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their grant-writing skills and learn how to navigate the Alliance’s new grant software, Foundant.

Watch the Training Here:
Hunger Alliance Grant Writing Training

During this training, Alex Handfinger, Nutrition Outreach Manager, and Jessica Chapman, Membership Manager, walk through the basics of writing strong grant applications and provide a step‑by‑step overview of how to use the new system. Whether you’re new to grants or looking for a refresher, this is a great tool to support your agency’s success.

Partner Agency Highlights

Let’s Celebrate Our Amazing Partners!

We are excited to recognize and congratulate the following Arkansas Foodbank partner agencies for taking an important step forward by claiming their Vivery accounts!
Please join us in celebrating:

Clark County Ecumenical Food Pantry
First Baptist Church – Main Street
First Baptist Church Royal – Love Thy Neighbor
Greater Pleasant Branch Baptist – Conway
Kathy’s Closet & Food Pantry
Montgomery County Food Pantry – Mt. Ida
Zion Lutheran Church – London/Augsburg Food Pantry

Your dedication to strengthening your operations and enhancing the way you serve your neighbors is truly inspiring. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to fighting food insecurity across Arkansas!

We are so proud to work alongside each of you—keep up the incredible work!

Monthly Shopping List

Take a look at this month’s featured items and great options available through Agency Express!

Protein Picks:
Ground beef, chicken drumsticks, chicken tenders, tuna, and more
Fresh & Local Produce:
Yellow squash, zucchini, cabbage, potatoes, and other seasonal items
Healthy Staples:
Low sodium vegetables, beans, soups, and reduced sodium options

New & Coming Soon:
Corn tortillas, canned salmon, protein drinks, dried fruit, peanut butter crackers, canned pineapple, and more

Be sure to check Agency Express regularly as items may vary and new products are added often.

Get your own AFB Merch and more on our store!

You’ve asked and we’ve listened! Show off your very own Arkansas Foodbank merchandise everyday as you Fight Hunger.

Shop our online store for cozy sweatshirts, hats, pens, and more. For our community partners, we created a special section just for you! Order proud Agency Partner shirts and more by selecting the “Partners” group in the top left and using the code “FEEDALL”. Support the mission you care about in style AND make a thoughtful gift for yourself or your loved ones!

shop.arkansasfoodbank.org

ATTENTION Arkansas Families Managing Food Allergies:

If you live in Arkansas and manage food allergies in your home and qualify, you may be able to get safe food at no cost for your participation in a study with FARE.

A select number of households that qualify may receive up to a $150 credit each month for six months to purchase food from an online store offering products for people managing food allergies. Learn More Here

Find A Pantry: Vivery

Neighbors Are Searching—Make Sure They Can Find You

So far, 164 organizations have claimed their profiles on Vivery, giving neighbors a clear, accurate picture of services available in their communities. When someone is in crisis due to hunger, updated information helps them quickly find nearby resources—and (your participation makes that possible).(in bold)

That means 155 Arkansas Foodbank member agencies still need to claim their profile. We’ve sent several emails to the addresses receiving this newsletter with instructions on how to claim. If your contact information has changed, or if there’s a better email to use, please let us know so we can get your agency connected.

Why it matters:

12,600 neighbors have used our Find Food tool on the Arkansas Foodbank website
Only 9% of searches returned no results, most of which were outside our service area
With just the 118 claimed agencies, Arkansas Foodbank partners are open a combined 7,847 hours this month
93% of our member organizations operate food distribution programs

Imagine the impact if all 319 agencies were visible and searchable to neighbors in need.

Don’t wait—claim your Vivery profile today!
Need help or didn’t receive your claim email? Contact your service area coordinator or email support@vivery.org.
Let’s work together to ensure no neighbor is left wondering where their next meal will come from.

Agency Support

Introducing Relational Visits: We’re Coming to Help!

At the Arkansas Foodbank, we’re excited to get to know your work more deeply—and to support you directly where it matters most: at your pantry.

Starting now, we’re launching relational visits across our network. Over the next year, a member of our team—a coordinator, manager, director, or even a chief—plans to visit your pantry on a distribution day, not for a review, but simply to help out.

These visits are not compliance reviews. (Just a reminder: all Arkansas Foodbank members are reviewed at least once every two years, and USDA distribution sites once per year.) Relational visits are different: we’ll roll up our sleeves and work alongside your team—whether that means packing boxes, greeting neighbors, or helping with check-in.

We’ll also be on the lookout for ways we can better support you in distributing food with dignity and equity.

We can’t wait to meet you, appreciate your hard work in person, and grow stronger together—because we truly believe: We’re better when we work together.

Reach out to our different Agency Support contacts with any questions or updates:

Email Agency Support

Call Agency Support

Inclement Weather Line

Programs Staff

Agency Express

Reporting Reminder:

We have transitioned back to Agency Express Reporting as of March 2025. All reporting must be completed through the Agency Express platform. Reports are due by the 1st of every month, and failure to submit your report on time will prevent you from placing orders.

Place Food Orders and Submit Monthly Reports

Returned Check Policy: Each returned check will incur a $35.00 NSF fee. When more than one returned check has been received by the Arkansas Foodbank within a 12-month period, you will be required to make all payments by money order or cashier’s check for a minimum of 3 months.

Sample Intake

Need Volunteers?

Volunteers can play a crucial role in supporting various tasks in your agency. Need volunteers for your pantry?

Volunteer Sign-up Form

Become a Mentor Pantry

Your expertise and willingness to serve could make a significant difference in supporting and strengthening our network of member pantries.
Email | Phone

Neighbor or Pantry Highlight

We want to celebrate your impactful moments and successes! Send us an email to share photos and stories of neighbors your pantry has assisted—stories of impact are especially valuable.
Email | Story and Highlight Interest Form

NEW Arkansas Foodbank Partner Agencies Facebook Group

Private AFB Agency Facebook Group specifically to support you and enhance communication, helping you better serve your neighbors.
Join Group

Grant Opportunities

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R)

helps small businesses put plans in place to prepare for disaster and provides immediate emergency funding when necessary. Businesses are asked to complete a four-step process to be eligible for quick-turn relief funding of $5,000 after a state emergency order or state disaster declaration is made in their region. https://lnkd.in/ePw6Qwgu

Funder	Website	Deadline	Amount

Arkansas Community Foundation Giving Tree grants	Apply for Grants – Arkansas Community Foundation	The application period is open Jan 10 – Feb 15 & July 10 – Aug 15	depends on the region
Entergy Charitable Foundation	Entergy Charitable Foundation grants – Entergy	Submit application at least three months prior to the time the requested funds are needed.	micro grants up to $1,000
Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance	Grants \| Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance	varies, read website	varies, read the website
Walmart Local Community/Spark Good	https://www.walmart.com/nonprofits?action=SignIn&rm=true	begins in March and applications are accepted quarterly	$250-$5,000

USDA

USDA Agency Reviews:

The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) is conducting their four-year reviews of all USDA agencies.

Please be responsive to ADE representatives during this process. If you have any questions, the Arkansas Foodbank is here to help you.

USDA Agreement Compliance:

If your USDA agreement is not signed by your food pantry and the Arkansas Foodbank, please reach out to agencysupport@arkansasfoodbank.org as soon as possible.

Nutritional Support:

At the time of your TEFAP distribution, you must provide neighbors with access to nutritional information about the USDA foods being distributed. These documents can be found on the USDA website: Household Product Information Sheets

Per the USDA TEFAP manual, printed copies of these materials should be available at distribution sites to meet neighbors’ nutritional needs. A variety of Federal, State, and local resources are available to help you fulfill this requirement.

USDA Food Loss Form Reporting Losses Damaged Food

CSFP

Serving Older Adults with a Monthly Food Package

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of persons with low-income, at least 60 years of age, by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods.

Interested in Becoming a CSFP Agency?

If you’re passionate about supporting low-income seniors, consider becoming a CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) agency. As a CSFP agency, you’ll receive FREE high-quality food to distribute to seniors in need. While seniors must meet eligibility requirements to qualify, the effort to gather this information is well worth it, as it allows you to provide critical support to this vulnerable population.

The Arkansas Foodbank submits applications for new CSFP programs each September, and USDA notifies us of approved agencies the following April or May. If you’re interested in joining, let us know—we’d love to have you on board!

If you’re interested in joining, let us know! Click here to email Program Services (send to rwhite@arkansasfoodbank.org)

Civil Rights Training Requirements | Checklist

CSFP 2026-2027 INCOME GUIDELINES

TEFAP

Strengthening the Nation’s Nutrition Safety Net and Supporting American Agriculture

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of people with low income by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost.

Interested in Becoming a USDA TEFAP Agency?

We’re looking to expand our network of agencies participating in the USDA TEFAP program. As a TEFAP agency, you’ll receive FREE high-quality food to distribute to neighbors in need. While there are eligibility requirements for neighbors to qualify for this food, the extra effort to gather this information is well worth it—allowing you to provide families with even more support.

If you’re interested in joining, let us know! Click here to email Agency Services.

Civil Rights Training Requirements | Checklist

TEFAP 2026-2027 INCOME GUIDELINES

Request USDA/TEFAP Cards

Foodbank University

Welcome to Foodbank University! Here, you can discover upcoming training opportunities offered by the Arkansas Foodbank for our partner pantries, available both online and in person.

What training would you like to see through AFB?

We’d love your feedback on the form below!

AR Foodbank Training Questionnaire

2026 Foodbank University Training Calendar

This calendar provides an overview of the trainings we plan to offer throughout the year. Please note that some dates are still **To Be Determined (TBD)**, and all scheduled events are **subject to change** as planning continues.

Before each training session, an email invitation will be sent with full details and an opportunity to **RSVP**. We encourage you to keep an eye on your inbox so you don’t miss upcoming learning opportunities.

Foodbank University Virtual Training Webinar Videos:

FARE Check with Alyssa Marie Frisby

Transportation Tips: How to Have A Successful Delivery

De-Escalation Training with Maggie Young

Disaster Preparedness Webinar

Membership Renewal

Food Sourcing Webinar

Rusty Chat and Chew April 2026

A Guide to Simple Fundraising Webinar

March SNAP Learning Webinar

Retail Pick-up Training

Essential Skills for Communication with Maggie Young

Grant Writing for Beginners Webinar

Vivery Training Webinar

Food Allergen Training with F.A.R.E.

Volunteer Recruitment with Arkansas Foodbank

Funder’s Forum: Grant Training & Grant Opportunity from Arkansas Community Foundation & The Blue & You Foundation

Agency Compliance:

Compliance Survey

Civil Rights Survey

Civil Rights Training Video

Basic Food Safety, Civil Rights and Service with a Smile Online Training Video

SNAP

Do you have a neighbor who needs help accessing SNAP? Our SNAP staff at the Arkansas Foodbank is here to assist with completing the application and will provide follow-up support through our case management program to ensure eligibility and approval.

Visit the SNAP page to learn more or sign your neighbor up for a phone appointment HERE

Visit Snap Page

SNAP Help Center Flyer (Eng & Span)

Contact our SNAP Team

Email | Phone

Contact Our Team!

SNAP TEAM

Agency Resources

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