Food For Kids Programs

No. Organizations participating in the Arkansas Foodbank Backpack Program are not eligible to order food through the Arkansas Foodbank.

Food bags contain kid-friendly, shelf-stable items such as milk, cereal bowls, fruit, and easy-to-open entrées like ravioli and chili. 

No. The Backpack Program will continue to serve children experiencing food insecurity. However, due to current funding limitations, we are unable to add new partners at this time. Please contact the Food for Kids Team to be added to the waiting list and be considered for future openings. 

The Backpack Program provides pre-packed bags of kid-friendly food for students to take home, while the School Market Program operates as an on-site grocery model where eligible students and families can choose food items based on their household preferences and needs. 

School Markets are established through partnerships with school districts or individual schools. However, Arkansas Foodbank member agencies may support a school district or school by serving as a School Market Program sponsor. For more information, please contact the Food for Kids Team.

No. Food distributed through the Arkansas Foodbank School Market Program must be used exclusively to support enrolled students and their families.

A Neighbor Choice Market is a choice, grocery store style model that allows students and families to select the food items that best meet their needs, rather than receiving a pre-packed food box. This approach offers greater dignity, flexibility, reduces food waste, and the opportunity to choose foods that fit household preferences and dietary needs. 

Schools are encouraged to incorporate neighbor-choice elements whenever possible to better meet the needs of students and families. While schools are encouraged to incorporate neighbor-choice elements whenever feasible, School Markets may distribute food through several models, including: 

Full Choice Market: Families visit a school-based market and select the foods they need. 

Home Delivery Choice: Families choose food from an approved list and receive deliveries from volunteers or school staff. 

Drive-Thru Choice: Families pre-order nutritious foods and pick up packed orders at a scheduled school location. 

To become a Summer Feeding Partner, interested agencies will need to complete the School Partner Assessment Form. Once your form is submitted, our team will review your application and contact you with a decision within 30 days. 

Yes. Organizations interested in becoming a Summer Feeding Partner must have a current 501(c)(3) designation or operate under a qualifying nonprofit, government, or school entity that meets Arkansas Foodbank program requirements. Please contact the Food for Kids Team for additional eligibility information and application requirements.

Summer Feeding Program food is provided through two partnership models: 

Summer Feeding Food Box Partners: Food boxes are delivered directly to approved partner sites for distribution to participating families. 
Summer Feeding Member Agency Partners: Approved Arkansas Foodbank member agencies can order summer food items through Agency Express, and those items are delivered to the agency for distribution. 

The Summer Feeding Food Box Program includes both kid-friendly food items and household staples. Foods distributed supports not only participating students but their families as well.

No. Organizations do not need to be Arkansas Foodbank Member Agencies to participate in the Summer Feeding Program. However, all partners must meet program requirements and complete the necessary approval process.

An On-Site Review is required to evaluate your organization’s facilities, food safety practices, storage capacity, and program readiness. The Food for Kids Team will provide guidance on any review requirements during the application process.