Family Resource Services

Our local partner agencies are on the frontlines in the fight against hunger. As a foodbank, we work with these agencies to ensure their shelves are stocked in order to feed neighbors on a weekly or monthly basis. But it takes community support – whether that’s the local Walmart or Sam’s Club or a troop of volunteers to hand out food. It’s a special network of committed people working together to make sure families, kids and seniors are fed.

Next in our “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” story series is Family Resource Services in Lonoke. Each month, they serve anywhere between 180 and 300 families who aren’t sure where they’ll receive their next meal. “We couldn’t help these families without the Foodbank or our local Walmart,” said Jane Fowler, Family Resource Services Director. “It’s a network of relationships that really makes our work possible. Ensuring our neighbors are fed requires teamwork between all of us, and we’re constantly grateful for the people that lift us up.”

FRS hosts a drive-through distribution each week on Tuesday. On Thursdays, they also have scheduled pickups from the local area Walmart. Bob, a long-time volunteer, coordinates these pickups and with co-volunteer Jody, shows up each week to load and unload the donations. “We wouldn’t be able to give produce away if it weren’t for donations from Walmart. It makes all the difference in the quality of fresh food we’re able to give away to families,” said Jody.

The Foodbank recently visited one of FRS’s weekly distributions. Even with rain in the forecast, Jane and her volunteers were ready to hand out food as soon as the clock showed 10 a.m. As people from the local area lined up around the block patiently waiting to check in with Jane, volunteers starting rolling out grocery carts filled to the brim of kitchen staples – and more.

Not only are these pantries staffed by generous, hardworking local people, they serve as beacons of hope for so many families that are having a hard time making ends meet. Mary, a local resident, represents one of those families. “I’m a grandmother and my budget is tight, so this food makes sure my grandchildren are fed. Without it, well…I don’t know what we’d do.”

When you support Fight Hunger. Spark Change. you’re ensuring that local families have food to put on their tables. You’re investing in a system that works tirelessly to ensure local pantries and volunteers have the resources they need to win the fight against hunger in local communities. Visit Walmart.com/fighthunger to learn more about how you can add your support.

Food insecurity is an issue in every community, and everyone can help their neighbors who need it most through the “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign.

When everyone works together, life gets better, communities become stronger, and real and lasting change can be made. Customers and members can help people facing hunger in our community when they participate in the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign in the following ways:

• Donate at check-out in stores and clubs, or at either www.FeedingAmerica.org/Walmart or www.FeedingAmerica.org/SamsClub.
• Round-up at check-out on Walmart.com and the Walmart app.
• For every participating product purchased in store or online at Walmart.com or SamsClub.com, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent of at least one meal ($0.10) on behalf of a Feeding America member food bank at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sam’s Club, up to applicable limits. See specially marked packages for full details.