Agency Resource Page

View Our AFB Disaster Pantry Resources Folder Here

Labor Day Closure Reminder

The Arkansas Foodbank will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

To ensure your orders are processed on time, please note the following deadlines:

Orders for Tuesday, September 8 must be completed by 8:00 AM on Thursday, September 3

Orders for Wednesday, September 9 must be completed by 8:00 AM on Friday, September 4

Please plan accordingly and submit your orders before the applicable deadline.

Thank you for all you do to serve our neighbors across Arkansas!

Tools You Can Use

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

We are proud to recognize the Arkansas Foodbank partner agencies that have successfully claimed their Vivery accounts!

Glenwood First Church of the Nazarene
White Drive Baptist Church
Pine Bluff Jefferson County EOC
Hot Springs Community Resource Center
Ruby Snider Ministries
Feeding Friends Food Pantry
Amboy Community Food Pantry

By embracing new tools and resources, these agencies are helping strengthen their operations and create an even better experience for the neighbors they serve every day.

Thank you for your commitment to innovation, collaboration, and hunger relief across Arkansas. Your dedication makes a meaningful difference in communities throughout our state, and we are honored to partner with you in this important work.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding agency partners!

Monthly Shopping List

Download PDF here

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

New Payment Option Available for Arkansas Foodbank Agency Partners!

We are excited to announce that Arkansas Foodbank agency partners and pantries now have the option to pay for all Arkansas Foodbank Invoices – electronically through ACH Transfer or Wire Transfer, in addition to traditional payment methods.

This new option was developed in response to partner feedback and is designed to make payments more convenient and efficient.

ACH Transfers
Domestic Wire Transfers
Continue using Checks and Money Orders if preferred

When submitting an electronic payment, be sure to include your invoice number in the memo or reference field so payments can be processed accurately.

Payment terms and due dates remain the same under your Member Agency MOU Agreement.
Please review the attached Standard Operating Procedure (S.O.P.) for complete instructions and banking information.

Questions? Contact the Arkansas Foodbank Finance Team at amays@arkansasfoodbank.org or 501-569-4339.

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 Information

Grant Writing & Nonprofit Consulting Services

Looking for assistance with grant writing, funding opportunities, or organizational development?

The Arkansas Foodbank Agency Resource Page now includes information for Luke Garner, a contract grant writer with experience in grant writing and technical writing, including contract work with UAMS Centers on Aging. Luke Garner holds a Master of Professional and Technical Writing from UA Little Rock and offers grant application, research, and post-submission reporting services.

In addition, agencies may be interested in Be the Light Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm that partners with nonprofits, churches, and mission-based organizations to strengthen leadership, improve operations, and increase financial sustainability through its “People, Processes, Profit” framework. Services include grant readiness, revenue diversification strategies, leadership coaching, strategic planning, board development, and organizational assessments.

Whether you’re pursuing funding opportunities, strengthening your organization, or building long-term sustainability, these resources may help support your mission and impact.

For additional information about these resources, visit the Arkansas Foodbank Agency Resource Page or contact the Arkansas Foodbank Programs Team

Luke Garner Resume | Luke Garner Grant Writing Rates | 2026 BTL Overview | 2026 Rate Card

Current 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

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:

Rusty’s Chat and Chew August 2026

From Boxes to Choice: Virtual Choice Pantry Training

Marcomm Presents: Bringing Attention to your Pantry

Rusty’s Chat and Chew June Summer Produce & Membership Dues

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’s 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)