Little Rock, Arkansas – As the federal government shutdown stretches on, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is taking direct action to support Arkansas families who may lose access to food assistance programs. Following what she called a “refusal by Senate Democrats to fund SNAP,” the Governor announced a $500,000 emergency allocation to six food bank networks across the state.
The funds, drawn from the state’s Restricted Reserve, will begin reaching food banks on Monday, November 3. Sanders said she is prepared to authorize additional weekly funding if the shutdown continues. “What Senate Democrats are doing is unconscionable, playing political games with the food assistance that nearly a quarter million Arkansans rely on,” said Governor Sanders. “The simplest, fastest solution remains for Democrats to reopen the government and fund programs like SNAP, but in the meantime, my administration will work with our legislators, churches, and food banks to help feed Arkansans.”
According to state officials, Arkansas’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves roughly 250,000 beneficiaries at more than 2,700 retail locations. With federal funding set to stop on November 1, thousands of families risk losing access to essential benefits. To help those affected, the Governor has launched HelpArkansas.com, a centralized hub for food assistance resources. The site also lists volunteer and donation opportunities for residents who wish to contribute during the shutdown.
The $500,000 in emergency funds will be divided evenly among six major food bank networks that serve communities across the state:
• Northwest Arkansas Food Bank in Springdale
• Food Bank of North Central Arkansas in Norfork
• Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas in Jonesboro
• River Valley Regional Food Bank in Fort Smith
• Arkansas Foodbank in Little Rock, including its branches in Lexa and Warren
• Harvest Regional Food Bank in Texarkana
In addition to providing financial support, the Governor’s office is encouraging these food banks to prioritize purchasing locally grown and manufactured products, reinforcing Arkansas agriculture and food producers during a time of economic strain.
Governor Sanders secured emergency approval for the allocation from the Arkansas Legislative Council chairs on Thursday. Her office said that further financial assistance will be reviewed weekly depending on how long the federal shutdown persists. The Governor’s team is also working with community partners to expand outreach to vulnerable households that may not yet be connected to local aid programs.
The Governor’s response to the food crisis continues her broader efforts to address hunger and nutrition in the state. Earlier this year, Sanders made Arkansas the first state in the South to provide free breakfast to all public school students. She also approved Summer EBT participation to ensure children have access to food when school is out and expanded free school lunch eligibility to students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals. Most recently, her administration launched a farm-to-school pilot program to bring fresh, local produce into cafeterias statewide.
While state support offers temporary relief, the Governor emphasized that the long-term solution depends on Congress restoring federal funding. “This is about protecting Arkansas families,” she said. “Until Washington does its job, we’ll keep doing everything we can here at home.”
Residents seeking assistance or more information about available resources can visit HelpArkansas.com or follow updates from the Arkansas Department of Human Services, which oversees the state’s SNAP program.
