Organizations in Arkansas are rallying behind two important bills aimed at tackling food insecurity. The proposed Grocery Tax Relief Act seeks to eliminate the state’s grocery tax, while the Good Neighbor Act focuses on strengthening protections for food donors and food banks.
Brian Burton, CEO of the Arkansas Foodbank, highlights recent legislative successes that are helping locals access food. This includes expanding school lunch programs and increasing the asset limits for SNAP benefits. Notably, a universal Free School Breakfast bill was also passed during this session.
Interestingly, Arkansas is one of the few states—only 10 nationwide—that still has a grocery tax. This tax generates about $10 million annually, funds that could be redirected to help those in need. Alarmingly, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has named Arkansas the leading state for food insecurity for the past two years. If the new bills pass, they will take effect in January 2026.
Recent statistics show that food security is a growing concern in Arkansas. About 47% of households are living paycheck to paycheck, and since 2022, nearly 11,000 more residents are struggling to meet their basic needs. Burton emphasizes that federal programs like SNAP and WIC are critical in the fight against food insecurity. In fact, around 80% of food insecurity issues are addressed through some form of federal nutrition assistance, which underscores the importance of ensuring these programs remain funded and accessible.
In contrast to Arkansas, Tennessee is facing its own challenges with food assistance. Recently, Governor Bill Lee decided to withdraw the state from the Summer EBT program, a federal initiative that provided monthly food assistance to families when school is out. This program benefitted nearly 700,000 children last year, but now nonprofit groups in the state are stepping up to help fill the void.
Ella Clay, the executive director of Healing Minds and Souls, which serves a food-insecure area in Nashville, expressed disappointment over the loss of $75 million in federal aid. Clay’s organization serves hundreds of meals weekly, providing not only food but also hygiene products. Her team will be crucial in ensuring families have the support they need during summer months.
C.J. Sentell, from the Nashville Food Project, is also committed to providing meals despite the funding cuts. His organization partners with 50 other groups to deliver around 7,000 meals each week. They are focused on reaching children and seniors, illustrating how community collaboration can help tackle food insecurity.
These local efforts are vital but face hurdles, especially in light of recent federal budget cuts. Both Burton and Sentell stress the critical nature of food assistance programs and encourage the community to stay engaged with these issues.
Overall, it’s clear that across states like Arkansas and Tennessee, food insecurity continues to be a pressing crisis. Support from both community organizations and legislation is crucial to address the growing needs of families who struggle to put food on the table.
For further insights on food insecurity, you can look into data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and learn more about food assistance initiatives in your area.
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