LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - September is Hunger Action Month. Hunger is an issue that almost 49 million people in the U.S. face every year. It's of particular importance in Arkansas, where more than 90,000 children are at risk of hunger.
The United States Department of Agriculture recently release new food insecurity data that puts Arkansas tied with Mississippi for first place when it comes to household hunger rate, at 19.2 percent.
Hunger Action Month mobilizes the public to act on behalf of Feeding America and its network of food banks, including the Arkansas Food Bank.
You can help by donating money and/or items to the Arkansas Food Bank, which provides food to local pantries. The Food Bank says every $1 donated can distribute three meals. There is also a list of food pantries available across the state at the Arkansas Food Bank website.
The most-needed items at food banks are:
- Canned meats/fish/poultry
- Peanut butter
- Cereal
- Soups
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fruits
- 100 percent juices
- Pasta and pasta sauces
- Diapers
You can read more information about the Arkansas Food Bank by viewing this fact sheet (.PDF): http://on.kthv.com/Q5wnXq.