Conway, Arkansas – Rising food costs are putting more pressure on Arkansas families, and a Conway nonprofit is working to make sure people facing hunger have somewhere to turn.
The Conway Ministry Center provides food, warm meals and other assistance to people across five counties. Its work goes beyond putting food on the table. The organization also helps families dealing with housing insecurity and other problems that can become especially difficult when money is tight.
Arkansas has the highest rate of food insecurity in the nation, according to the information provided by the organization. For the Conway Ministry Center, that reality has meant growing demand for its services and a broader effort to connect people with help that can make a longer-term difference.
Board President Spring Hunter said the ministry focuses on immediate needs while also trying to help families move beyond “financial crisis.”
One of the center’s main resources is its food pantry. Rather than simply handing people a prepared box of food, the pantry is arranged more like a grocery store. That allows people to choose the items that make the most sense for their families.
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The pantry provides nutritious food, but its assistance does not stop there. Hygiene products and baby items are also available, giving families access to necessities that can quickly become difficult to afford when household budgets are stretched.
The organization is also focused on another part of the problem. Sometimes, resources are available, but people have trouble figuring out how to access them.
Sarah Wilson, executive director of the Conway Ministry Center, said case managers work directly with families to understand their circumstances and help them navigate systems that can be complicated.
SNAP is one example. Wilson said many people may qualify for the food assistance program but still struggle to complete the enrollment process. The ministry’s case managers can help determine what a family needs, ask the right questions and guide people through the steps required to apply.
That support is important because food insecurity is not always a permanent condition. A family that was doing well several months ago can suddenly find itself struggling after a change in finances or other circumstances.
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Wilson said the ministry tries to keep that reality in mind and avoid creating unnecessary barriers for people who need assistance.
“If a family is hungry today,” the organization’s approach is to help them today, even if they were doing fine the previous week or the previous year. Staff can then take time to discuss the circumstances that brought the family to the center and determine whether other resources may help.
Demand for food has increased significantly. Wilson said the ministry currently distributes about 50 warm meals every day, and the number of meals served has risen sharply compared with the previous year.
The organization served about 5,000 meals during the entire previous year. This year, it had already reached 11,000 meals by the ninth month, a jump that Wilson described as an upward trend in food distributions.
The Conway Ministry Center does not charge people for its services. Instead, the organization relies entirely on donations, churches and small community grants to keep its programs running.
Local businesses also play a role. Hunter said the ministry works with businesses to recover food that might otherwise be thrown away at the end of the day, including food from buffets and restaurants. That food can then be provided to people who need it.
The approach allows the center to address an immediate problem while also reducing waste and making use of resources already available in the community.
The ministry operates its store at 225 East Robins St. in Conway, with another location at the Refuge shelter. Warm meals are available Monday through Friday, while pantry shopping is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
For people who may feel uncomfortable asking for assistance, Wilson said there is no reason to be embarrassed about seeking help.
“Absolutely. Please do not hesitate.”
Wilson said the staff wants to serve people and “walk with folks” as they work through difficult circumstances. The goal, she said, is not simply to provide food, but to give people choices, support and “instill a little dignity into their story.”
As the need continues to grow, the Conway Ministry Center is relying on its network of donors, churches, businesses and community supporters to keep those services available. For families struggling to afford groceries or facing a sudden financial setback, the organization is offering a place where immediate help is available and where staff can also help them look for a path toward greater stability.
