Agency Resource Page

View Our AFB Disaster Pantry Resources Folder Here

The Holiday Rush

The Christmas holiday season often brings immense joy and togetherness, but it can also be a particularly demanding time for many. For food banks, these months are among the busiest, grappling with increased needs due to school breaks, rising utility costs, and the societal pressure to provide festive holiday meals. This heightened demand underscores a critical need within communities, highlighting the various challenges individuals and families face during what is often portrayed as a time of abundance.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations and community support, it’s incredibly important to remember the significance of self-care. Just as we strive to help others, taking a moment to prioritize our own well-being is essential for maintaining our physical and mental health. Whether it’s finding a quiet moment for reflection, enjoying a warm cup of tea, or simply stepping away from the holiday rush, these small acts of self-care can make a big difference in navigating the season with greater peace and resilience.

Let’s support our communities and each other by recognizing both the challenges and the importance of personal well-being during this busy time:

Remember to pause and breathe.

Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

A well-rested and mindful you can contribute even more effectively to the well-being of others.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Don’t Forget to R.E.A.D.

Agency Member Training and Meetings

The Arkansas Foodbank is committed to empowering its network of partner agencies through comprehensive training and collaboration opportunities. Through Arkansas Foodbank University (FBU), agency representatives gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in food distribution best practices, safety standards, and client service strategies. FBU equips participants with the tools and technologies needed to strengthen, sustain, and grow their pantry operations, ensuring that communities across the region receive safe and reliable food assistance.

In addition to FBU, the Foodbank offers an annual conference that fosters peer learning and innovation among agency partners. These sessions provide a platform to share updates, explore new programs, and discuss community needs in a collaborative environment. By investing in continued education and connection, the Arkansas Foodbank helps build a stronger, more resilient hunger-relief network throughout the state.

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

REMINDERS:

ARKANSAS FOOD BANK WILL BE CLOSED EARLY FOR TUESDAY – DECEMBER 23, 2025, at 12 Noon

ARKANSAS FOOD BANK WILL BE CLOSED FOR WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY – DECEMBER 24-25, 2025

ARKANSAS FOOD BANK WILL BE CLOSED EARLY FOR WEDNESDAY – DECEMBER 31, 2025, at 12 Noon

ARKANSAS FOOD BANK WILL BE CLOSED FOR THURSDAY – JANUARY 1, 2026

ARKANSAS FOOD BANK WILL BE CLOSED FOR MONDAY – JANUARY 19, 2026

Find A Pantry: Vivery

Neighbors Are Searching—Make Sure They Can Find You

Since November, 118 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.

That means 201 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

2025 Reporting Update Video

Reporting Video Slides 2025

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 form

Intake Template Spreadsheet

Reporting Guidelines

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

2026 AHRA Capacity Building Grant application

The 2026 Capacity Building Grant application is now open and will remain open December 1, 2025 – January 9, 2026. This grant supports Local Hunger Relief Organizations in expanding or improving their capacity through items like equipment, storage, transportation, garden supplies, meal-prep tools, or office equipment. Funds cannot be used for salaries, operational expenses, or food purchases.

We will host a virtual Capacity Building Grant Training on Tuesday, December 16, at 10 am. During this Zoom session, we’ll walk through the application together, go over the required documents, and answer any questions you may have. https://api.neonemails.com/emails/content/hLMJoHkRySTY9mvEoWf5n4dEhho8ErL5uyX2jOUf3pA=

Funder	Website	Deadline	Amount
Blue & You Foundation mini grants	Mini Grants – Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas	2025 mini grants open on January 1 and will be evaluated and awarded each quarter of the year. Applications are accepted in the first two months of each quarter.	$1,000 – $5,000
Arkansas Community Foundation Giving Tree grants	Apply for Grants – Arkansas Community Foundation	The application period is open July 10 – August 15.	depends on 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 website
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation	Grants – Arkansas Black Hall of Fame	Feb 1 – April 1	$1,000 – $2,000
Riceland Foundation	Riceland Cares \| Riceland	no later than June 1	not listed
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.

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 mmitchell@arkansasfoodbank.org)

Civil Rights Training Requirements | Checklist

CSFP 2025-26 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 2025-26 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 Food Bank Training Questionnaire

Training Videos:

Basic Food Safety, Civil Rights and Service with a Smile-20240809_100101-Meeting Recording.mp4

Civil Rights Training Video

Civil Rights Survey

Compliance Survey

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)