Food Access & Systems
Our Food Access & Systems Department helps reduce hunger in Arkansas by strengthening local food systems and expanding access to fresh, nutrient-dense food.
No Kid Hungry
AR Beef Project
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Food Sourcing
Food Access & Systems helps Alliance member food banks secure nutritious food while strengthening local food systems that expand access to fresh, nutrient-dense options and support Arkansas’ local economies. This is accomplished through several departmental programs that assist with:
Food purchase
Protein sourcing & acquisition
Agricultural programs
Arkansas Farm & Garden Project
The Arkansas Farm & Garden Project invites volunteers to reconnect with the land while learning where food comes from and how it nourishes our communities. By planting, tending, and harvesting crops together, volunteers help grow fresh food that is shared directly with local communities across Arkansas.
For schools, civic organizations, church groups, corporate teams, and individuals, the project offers meaningful opportunities to serve while learning lessons in cooperation, community connection, and compassionate giving through hands-on work.
If you or your group would like to be involved, we encourage you to sign up as a volunteer and subscribe to the Alliance newsletter to learn about upcoming planting and harvesting opportunities throughout the year.
Subscribe
Click the button below be added to our volunteer email list.
Get Involved
Learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Alliance.
Turnip for Hunger
Watermelon Crawl
Each late fall and early winter, we host Turnip for Hunger, our annual harvest event. Volunteers of all ages spend the morning gathering turnips grown by the Alliance, soaking up crisp fall air, warm sunshine, and the glow of a cozy bonfire. Every turnip harvested is delivered directly to Arkansas food banks, providing fresh, nutritious food for neighbors facing food insecurity.
Each summer, volunteers gather at Heifer Ranch in Perryville to harvest the Alliance’s ten-acre watermelon patch. Alongside harvesting ripe melons, participants enjoy watermelon-themed games and summertime fun. Every watermelon harvested is distributed through the Arkansas Foodbank, helping provide fresh, nutritious food to communities across the state.
Arkansas Beef Project
The Arkansas Beef Project, the nation’s first program of its kind, is a partnership between the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, and Farmers Feeding the World. It connects local ranchers and protein producers directly with food banks to help fight hunger across Arkansas.
Protein is essential for growth, strength, and overall wellness, yet many Arkansas families can’t afford it regularly. Food banks often struggle to secure consistent, affordable sources of quality meat. The Arkansas Beef Project fills this gap by turning donated livestock into one- to two-pound portions, distributed to food banks and pantries statewide.
Why Protein Matters:
- Builds and maintains strong muscles for people of all ages
- Supports brain function and cognitive development in children
- Provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins
- Helps families stay healthy and energized when access to nutritious food is limited
How to Get Involved:
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Donate livestock (cow, pig, or lamb)
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Contribute funds to purchase or process livestock
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Share the project with friends and local producers
To get involved in the Arkansas Beef Project, contact Brandon Chapman, bchapman@arhungeralliance.org or Michelle Shope, mshope@arhungeralliance.org.
The Alliance is grateful for support from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
Are You In Need?
We would like to help you find the resources you need.
Contact
200 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 1300
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Newsletter
The Alliance Alert goes out to members, advocates and others who want to stay up on hunger issues in Arkansas. See our latest newsletter.
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