Little Rock, Arkansas – A recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that Arkansas has the highest rate of food insecurity in the country.
According to Carol Godwin, a member of Asbury Methodist Church, food insecurity in the Natural State is a daily challenge that impacts numerous families during the holiday season.
“In addition to taking care of your own needs, you’re also responsible for your guests,” Godwin remarked.
Providing meals for loved ones during the holiday season can be expensive, but Godwin and fellow church members are taking action through a food drive to help those in need.
“The initiative is named Family to Family, and we carry it out every December alongside our regular food pantry,” Godwin stated.
Godwin mentions that every member of their church takes a box and fills it with a variety of food items. This month, a total of 157 boxes were successfully distributed.
Godwin expressed that connecting with the community has been a wonderful experience, reminiscing about the moment she handed a box to the last man in line.
“He shared with me that he had three months remaining in his life, so we joined in prayer, asking for his journey home to be serene,” Godwin recounted.
For the leaders of Asbury Methodist, this embodies the true spirit of the holiday.
“We felt immense gratitude for the outcome, the way the community united, and our ability to distribute the boxes we had prepared,” stated Susan Ledbetter, senior pastor at Asbury Methodist.
Church leaders expressed gratitude for a $10,000 grant from the Pulaski County Hunger Initiative, stating that they will extend their support for those in need beyond this month.
