Empowering Arkansas Children: How an Innovative Nonprofit is Tackling Food Insecurity

Ronnie Ritter, executive director of Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry, stands next to a refrigerated trailer he uses to transport deer to hunting clubs. The deer are then turned into snack sticks, popular in school backpack programs for the last six years. Photo taken on December 6, 2024. | Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate

By MARY HENNIGAN | Arkansas Advocate

Ronnie Ritter runs Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry as a one-man operation, but he gets help from many in the community. He collaborates with deer processors, food pantries, schools, and hunting clubs to tackle food insecurity in Arkansas, which has one of the highest rates of food scarcity in the U.S.

Founded in 2000, the nonprofit has provided over 1.5 million pounds of venison, offering a vital source of protein to families in need. Ritter’s efforts have been particularly impactful for children and have also played a role in controlling the deer population in the state.

“It’s a passion,” Ritter said. “I view this work as a ministry, helping local churches and schools get food to kids.”

According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 19% of Arkansans faced food insecurity. This has led to statewide initiatives to combat the issue, including the Summer EBT program, which provides groceries to families during summer break.

Ritter’s organization has become a vital lifeline for many children. At Malvern Elementary School, counselor Stephanie Sawyer noticed that some children, too shy to ask for help, resorted to sneaking food from others or raiding their teachers’ snack stashes.

“It’s heartbreaking because these kids have so much potential,” Sawyer said. “I want to ensure they have what they need.” This past Christmas, students even listed food as their top gift request.

Food insecurity affects children disproportionately. According to a report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, food insecurity can lead to serious health issues and affect school performance. “Kids can’t focus on learning if they’re worried about where their next meal will come from,” Sawyer added.

In central Arkansas, Malvern Elementary serves around 700 students, with about 15% relying on a backpack program for weekend meals. The program has received over 500,000 snack sticks from Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry, which Ritter personally delivered to many schools. The demand for these protein-rich snacks continues to grow.

Ritter’s initiative has transformed the way Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry operates. Initially focused on providing ground venison, the organization pivoted to include shelf-stable snack sticks last year. It utilizes refrigerated trailers to receive donations from hunting clubs, allowing them to process the excess deer and expand their outreach significantly.

Ritter estimates that with the new trailer system, they’ve processed over 400 extra deer that would have otherwise gone unutilized. Each donated deer helps feed local communities, with products being distributed to around 150 food pantries across the state.

Becky Chote, assistant director of the Project HOPE Food Bank in Hot Springs, appreciates the partnership. The food bank collaborates with 70 nonprofits to distribute food and ensures students receive essential products through backpack programs. “Hunger is increasing, and more families are seeking help,” Chote shared.

In 2023, more than 400,000 Arkansans relied on SNAP benefits, but those benefits are not increasing at a rate that matches food prices. Ritter’s organization helps fill the gaps by providing nutritious options year-round, especially during the deer season.

Community support plays a critical role in the success of Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry. With rising costs making it tougher for families to make ends meet, Ritter continues to seek funding and donations to support the growing need. The organization needs about $250,000 annually to operate, relying on grants and donations from the fishing and hunting community.

The impact of Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry resonates through the lives of many, especially children. The ground venison and snack sticks offer vital nutrition to those who most need it, helping them thrive in their daily lives. “Protein is something so many kids lack at home,” Chote explained. “We’re grateful to provide them with good, clean protein.”