It may not affect you. But there’s a good chance someone you know is impacted – and you have no idea. Hunger is a real, urgent, often hidden need. So the nonprofit Feeding America is leading Hunger Action Month all September. Maybe you’re not affected by food insecurity. But you ARE able to do something about it. This longtime Regions Bank community partner has an idea:
A two-foot, 70-pound Armenian cucumber, one pound of jalapenos, a large pod of okra.
Rebecca Hendrix and the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas team in Jonesboro never know what items neighbors will donate from their gardens.
“If you’ve got it, we’ll take it,” said the nonprofit’s chief development officer. “It doesn’t have to be a huge truckload of food; every little bit helps.”
Worried your tomatoes, green beans or snap peas don’t resemble something from a photoshoot? The food bank isn’t.
“Even if it’s ugly, we’ll take it,” Hendrix reaffirmed. “We’re happy to accept bumpy squash; items don’t have to be perfect.”
Bruised or oddly shaped fruits and vegetables or items damaged during transport are a significant contributor to landfills. Not only are they not nourishing someone, these items actually impact the environment by emitting millions of tons of greenhouse gasses as they decompose outside.
Partnering with local producers means we don’t have to purchase as much produce from out of state, reducing our costs. Rebecca Hendrix, nonprofit’s chief development officer
Twelve years ago, the Food Bank of NEA and two nearby farms identified a win-win to get produce into the hands – and stomachs – of people and families the nonprofit serves. One of them, Matthews Ridgeview Farms, has donated more than 1.8 million pounds of sweet potatoes since.
“Partnering with local producers means we don’t have to purchase as much produce from out of state, reducing our costs,” explained Hendrix. “The huge increase in food prices due to inflation has been a barrier for us.”
The farmers take pride in their ability to help.
“Knowing we can be part of giving families nutritious and delicious meals means a lot to us,” added Autumn Campbell, sales manager for Matthews Ridgeview Farms. “We hope that we are helping to create more than a meal by also helping create quality time for friends and families to gather.”
Hendrix will tell you those sweet potatoes also go a long way.
“Our neighbors are so excited when they get fresh produce,” she said, noting a goal to distribute two million pounds of fruits and vegetables annually. “It’s very expensive to go to the grocery store or farmers market to get, so it’s a treat when it’s available to choose from on our menu.”
The organization is expanding its produce distribution capabilities even more through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm to Food Bank project, legislation developed to bridge the gap between agricultural producers and organizations providing food to people in need and reduce food waste.
“The Farm to Food Bank funds have helped us forge new relationships with local growers,” said Hendrix. “We can pay ‘pick and pack out’ costs for local produce, which allows local growers to recoup some of their costs.”
The Food Bank is incredibly resourceful, with 100 percent of its boxes packed by volunteers.” Shelly Lamb, Trust Support administrator with Regions’ Private Wealth Management team
Something else increasing at The Food Bank of NEA? Square footage. The nonprofit’s new volunteer facility is tripling the space where 1,800 volunteers sort and pack boxes each year.
Shelly Lamb, Trust Support administrator with Regions’ Private Wealth Management team and a Food Bank of NEA volunteer, attended the ribbon cutting earlier this month.
“The Food Bank is incredibly resourceful, with 100 percent of its boxes packed by volunteers,” said Lamb. “They do a great job of creating a teambuilding atmosphere where groups can join together to learn about hunger needs across our 12-county service area and also make an impact for those facing food insecurity. Their expanded space will help grow those capabilities even more.”
Lamb and the entire Regions team in Jonesboro will lend their support again in November during the organization’s seventeenth annual “Fill the Food Bank,” too. Bank associates donated over 200 pounds of shelf stable items in 2023.
It’s all part of the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas’ overall goal to grow its most important number – people served.
“Right now, we work with 186 partners to serve 41,000 families annually,” said Hendrix. “Our focus is on expanding our supporter base to reach and serve the over 74,000 people we know are facing hunger each day.”
Find the Feeding America affiliate closest to you to donate your garden harvest.
Houston Helpers:
Learn how Regions and Ascentium Capital associates recently supported Feeding America
Eighty-plus Regions Bank and Ascentium team members rolled up their sleeves to serve the Houston Food Bank, Houston, Texas, and the Montgomery County Food Bank in nearby Conroe during Evergreen Week 2024.
Ascentium associates Scott Underberg and Harriet Nwokolo, who regularly volunteer with the Conroe-based Feeding America affiliate, lent their support. Along with their teammates, the duo sorted food items, checked expiration dates, broke down boxes and more during their volunteer shift.
“Volunteering at the food bank lets me directly help people in need while feeling more connected to my community,” said Underberg, a Cross-Sell leader with Ascentium. “It’s rewarding to know my time is making a real difference, especially with food insecurity remaining a persistent challenge for so many of our neighbors.”
“I didn’t know spending just a few hours helping at the food bank could make such an impact and provide so many meals to so many families,” added Nwokolo, Office and Management Vendor coordinator with Ascentium. “I encourage others to give just a little time out of their day to help feed those in need.”
