Quick Facts about Arkansas Rice Depot
- The Arkansas Rice Depot was formed in 1982 to combat hunger in Arkansas
- The Rice Depot distributes over 8 million pounds of food and supplies a year
- At the end of 2011, Arkansas Rice Depot fed over 15% of the entire population of the state
- With a small staff, more than 98% of budget is spent on purchasing and distributing food to people living in poverty
- Serves 900 hunger relief programs in the state – the only faith based, statewide food bank network
- Arkansas Rice Depot’s mission is to find Sensible Solutions to Hunger in Arkansas
Arkansas Poverty Facts
- 18% of population live below the Federal Poverty Average
- The 4th poorest state, 503,000 Arkansans live in poverty. 25% of those living in poverty are children.
- In fact, Arkansas has more hungry children than any other state in America.
- The average income of a Food For Seniors recipient is $79/month, after rent and utilities are paid
Make Arkansas Rice Depot your Vacation Bible School Mission Project!
As your congregation plans its Vacation Bible School program, consider partnering with Arkansas Rice Depot. Vacation Bible School serves as an excellent opportunity to educate children about the importance of helping others and the problem of hunger that so many here in our state face. Arkansas Rice Depot has put together several ideas for service projects that complement two popular curriculums this year, Operation Overboard and Amazing Desert Journey.
Learn more about how your Vacation Bible School can help fight hunger!
Operation Overboard Amazing Desert Journey
By supporting Arkansas Rice Depot your Vacation Bible School can make a difference in the life of a hungry Arkansan!
Adopt A School Project
Looking for a fun and unique way to support Food For Kids this year? Consider adopting a school using our new schoolhouse! Each schoolhouse represents one Food For Kids program and each brick a $10 gift. Developed at Asbury United Methodist, this is a simple and effective means to combat hunger here in Arkansas. Learn more
Thank You New York Life!
Arkansas Rice Depot was awarded a $25,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life Insurance Company to support Food For Kids. We are so grateful for New York Life's continued investment in ending childhood hunger in Arkansas!
Great Arkansas Penny Hunt
Arkansas Rice Depot has partnered with Fox 16 News to highlight the efforts of schools across our state to fight childhood hunger. Classrooms compete to collect the most change and proceeds benefit Food For Kids. Check out the difference these schools are making!
