Little Rock, Arkansas – As the federal government shutdown continues under Senate Democrats, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced an additional $500,000 in aid to support Arkansas food banks struggling to meet the needs of residents affected by the disruption. This funding, approved through emergency action by the Arkansas Legislative Council chairs, follows a similar announcement last week and may continue to be revisited weekly if the federal shutdown persists.
Governor Sanders emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing firsthand experience at local food pantries. “I handed out food at a food pantry earlier this week and saw this crisis with my own eyes: struggling Arkansans are hurting every day the Schumer Shutdown continues,” she said. “We need Senate Democrats to step up, reopen the government, and fully fund programs like SNAP, but as the shutdown continues, my administration will stand with our partners in the legislature, at churches, and in food banks to help Arkansans stay fed.”
The new $500,000 allocation comes from the state’s Restricted Reserve funds and will be distributed on Monday, November 10th, to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance (AHRA). From there, the funds will be directed to the six Feeding America member food banks across the state, prioritizing regions with the highest SNAP recipient populations. Governor Sanders also encouraged the food banks to purchase Arkansas-grown and manufactured goods whenever possible, supporting local farmers and producers while addressing food insecurity.
The ongoing federal shutdown has significantly impacted Arkansas’ SNAP program, which serves nearly a quarter million beneficiaries at more than 2,700 retail locations statewide. Without federal funding, recipients are left with fewer resources to meet basic nutritional needs, putting additional strain on local food banks. Residents affected by the disruption are encouraged to visit HelpArkansas.com for information on nearby food banks, volunteer opportunities, and donation resources. The site also provides updates from the Arkansas Department of Human Services, which oversees the state’s SNAP program.
This emergency assistance is part of a broader effort by Governor Sanders to combat food insecurity and improve nutrition in Arkansas. In recent years, the Governor has implemented several initiatives designed to expand access to healthy meals for children and families. Arkansas became the first state in the South to offer free school breakfast to all public school students, while the Summer EBT program ensures children have access to food during summer months when school meals are unavailable. Additionally, school lunches were made free for students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals.
Governor Sanders has also championed farm-to-school programs to provide students with fresh, local produce. Recently, she announced two pilot programs aimed at integrating locally grown fruits and vegetables into school meals, fostering healthier eating habits while supporting Arkansas farmers. The combination of these efforts underscores her administration’s commitment to addressing food insecurity through both short-term assistance and long-term policy solutions.
The ongoing shutdown has highlighted the fragility of federal nutrition programs and the crucial role that state and local partners play in ensuring families do not go hungry. By directing funds to Arkansas food banks, Governor Sanders is taking immediate steps to fill the gap left by the stalled federal government, ensuring that residents continue to have access to essential resources.
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Arkansans are encouraged to stay informed and proactive. The state continues to provide resources for those impacted, including opportunities to volunteer, donate, or locate assistance. Governor Sanders’ administration is committed to monitoring the situation and revisiting emergency aid measures weekly if the federal impasse persists.
“As the shutdown continues, we are committed to standing with Arkansas families and our local partners to make sure no one goes hungry,” Sanders said. With federal assistance delayed, state intervention is proving vital in maintaining food security and supporting communities in need during this ongoing crisis.
The Governor’s actions reflect a combination of immediate relief and strategic policy aimed at long-term improvements in Arkansas’ food systems. From emergency funding to statewide nutrition programs, the administration continues to prioritize the health and wellbeing of Arkansans during a period of unprecedented federal inaction.
