If you're out of food, please search our list of places that can help.

First, be sure you are getting all the government help you are entitled to. The Food Stamp telephone hotline is 1-800-221-5689. You can receive an application through the mail without having to go to a Food Stamp office. Food Stamps are not welfare. They are a nutrition support intended to help families who for whatever reasons can't pay for all the groceries they need.

Even if you were once turned down for Food Stamps, or even if a friend tells you about someone else who was turned down, you should call this number. The federal government has been under pressure to loosen restrictions and make it easier for people to be eligible for Food Stamps. Some of the regulations have changed--for the better! It's worth a try.

If you are pregnant or have small children, apply for WIC. This program was started in 1964 by physicians who were seeing a lot of pregnant women and young children who were not sick but just needed more and better food. Again, WIC is not welfare. The number in Arkansas is 501-661-2473.

If you have school-age children, be sure they are getting free breakfast and lunch at school. Inquire at the office or cafeteria of your public school. There are probably summer feeding programs for children in your area, so your kids can get a nutritious breakfast and lunch for at least part of the summer. This will relieve some pressure on your household--also, these meals tend to be served at sites where your children can have fun, safe, instructional activities. Ask at your local Department of Human Services office or City Hall.

Check with your local Community Action Agency or Department of Human Services office. Also, try to find out when USDA commodities are being given out in your community. These free staple foods are available when farmers produce a surplus, and they are usually passed out about every two weeks.

Now, if you've done all that and you're still in need of food--today--where do you go? Every county in Arkansas has some number of privately run food service for citizens with an immediate need for food. Some are open every workday, and others only a day or two a week. Please try to check the hours of operation before you go.

Be prepared, too, to answer a few questions, which are not intended to pry or to embarrass you but to help the organization run smoothly and to prevent overuse by anyone trying to take advantage.