Studies have shown that Arkansas has more than 560,000 people in Arkansas who lack access to enough food due to insufficient funds and other resources. With the global pandemic, many people have lost their jobs which in terms increased the chances of food insecurity for the state.

Throughout the Northwest Arkansas, organizations have taken part to help provide food for those in need. An increased request is especially due to the 7 Hills Homeless Center closing their doors because of Covid-19. For the being they are only allowing services of clothing, food, and mail 1-3pm on Tuesday and Friday. Places like schools, churches, food banks, and non-profits have stepped up to overcome hunger during quarantine. Just like frontline workers are fighting for the lives of the people, so are employees and volunteers of the organizations distributing food and shelter.

The Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas is one of the non-profits adapting to service delivery methods for its food distributions for the Fayetteville, Springdale, and Rogers locations. Since March 16, there has been an increased need of food. In all the locations there had been 26,167 meals handed out and 7,416 boxes served from April to June. Before Covid-19, the Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas had provided 156,073 meals for people in need. With each announcement of their food drives more and more people of the community are showing up. There is no set schedule for the food drives, but they distribute the boxes during mornings and until there are no more left in all three locations. Each notice is made through their social media pages prior to said days.

Given the circumstances, a need for volunteers has also come to light in result of the daily needs of the community. Capt. Joshua Robinett, Northwest Arkansas Area Commander of the Salvation Army, stated, “We know there is a growing need and we are doing our best to meet the needs within the different circumstances Covid-19 brought upon all of us.”

Salvation Army of Fayetteville and Bentonville areas has also allowed people to sit in their dining areas but with limit people at a time while social distancing as much as possible. They also allow shelter with beds being limited as well to be able to spread them apart. From the months of April through June they had sheltered 6,719 people. “We’re committed to serving through this crisis”, stated Robinett. “As needs change, we’ll adapt with that.”

In addition to their three Corps (churches), they provide social services for four counties, operate two emergency shelters, three family thrift stores. With all proceeds and generous donations, they are able to care for the needs for the people of Northwest Arkansas. Whether it is food, shelter, or just faith, the Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas is here for their community.

As stated on Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas homepage, their mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

For more information on how you can stay updated with their services visit http://salvationarmyaok.org/nwarkansas/ or follow their Facebook homepage The Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas. Also visit http://salvationarmyaok.org/nwarkansas/volunteering/ to join today and help make a difference.