Discover How UAMS is Pioneering Community Solutions to Tackle Food Insecurity in Arkansas

July 28, 2025 | LITTLE ROCK — Recent research from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) shines a light on the daily challenges faced by food-insecure people in Arkansas. This study not only highlights the issues but also suggests community-based solutions to tackle hunger in one of the most food-insecure states in the U.S.

Conducted through UAMS’s Institute for Community Health Innovation, the research deals with the deep impact of food insecurity on local communities. It also examines innovative programs designed to meet the unique needs of Arkansas’s Hispanic and Marshallese populations.

One study, titled “Daily Reality of Food Insecurity: A PhotoVoice Study,” published in the Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, invited residents facing food insecurity to share their stories through photographs and narratives. This provided a powerful glimpse into their struggles and resilience.

Participants focused on four main themes: the importance of community support, the high cost of healthy foods, the time it takes to secure food assistance, and challenges in finding essential resources. Bonnie Faitak, director of community programs at UAMS, emphasized that this study gave a voice to often-overlooked individuals. “They are not just recipients of aid. They are volunteers and community leaders, and their stories are vital in shaping effective policies,” she noted.

The second project, “Process Evaluation of Culturally Preferred Food Pilot,” also published in a respected journal, sought to enhance access to culturally relevant food for Arkansas’s diverse communities. This initiative involved local farms and food pantries, which worked together to provide foods like sweet potatoes and Masa flour that align with cultural preferences.

The pilot project delivered promising results. Participants reported higher satisfaction with pantry offerings and formed new community partnerships. Many partners recognized the importance of addressing cultural food needs and expressed a desire to continue these efforts, even amid concerns over funding and supply chain issues.

“Culturally preferred foods aren’t just nice to have; they are crucial for health,” said Faitak, who co-authored both studies.

Both studies were rooted in community-based participatory research, ensuring that the solutions reflect the real experiences of those most affected by food insecurity. In 2023, Arkansas faced an alarming food insecurity rate of 18.9%, highlighting the urgency for such community-informed strategies.

“Listening to the voices of the community we serve empowers us to create effective and sustainable solutions,” said Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., director of the UAMS institute.

These studies point to scalable solutions that could be applied across the U.S., driven by real community needs. With support from organizations like the Walmart Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they stress the importance of collaboration in addressing hunger in Arkansas and beyond.

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