Building a Community Where No One Goes Hungry

Food insecurity is a pressing issue that affects individuals and families across Garland County.

"If you don’t have anything to eat, you can’t do anything else," said Susan Lester, Administrator of the Garland County Health Unit.

She was one of several panelists in attendance at an impactful panel discussion on breaking barriers to food access facilitated by the 100 Families Initiative of Garland County. The 100 Families Initiative is a community-led initiative that uses collaboration and existing resources to help families move from crisis to thriving.

Community organizations represented on the panel included the Arkansas Department of Health, Cutter Morning Star School District, Arkansas Department of Human Services, Hot Springs School District, and the Salvation Army. The event provided a platform for community leaders to share insights, address misconceptions, and explore solutions for tackling food insecurity in Garland County.

One of the most common misconceptions about SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), as discussed by Troy Linda, County Administrator at DHS, is that recipients do not work. In reality, nearly 30-35% of SNAP recipients in Arkansas are employed but struggle to make ends meet. The discussion also covered the strict checks and balances in place to prevent fraud, ensuring that benefits go to those who need them most.

Representatives from Cutter Morning Star School District and Hot Springs School District shared compelling stories of how hunger directly impacts students' academic performance, attendance, and mental health. Terry Lawler, Director of Special Projects at Cutter Morning Star, described how some students arrive at school without having eaten a proper meal in days, making it nearly impossible for them to focus in class.

"Can you imagine putting a test in front of a hungry child? They wouldn't even try," she noted.

Corey Holder, McKinney-Vento Liaison for Hot Springs School District, emphasized that food insecurity affects childhood development, making it difficult for students to concentrate and learn. Both school districts have free breakfast and lunch programs, though not all students automatically qualify. Educators are working to increase participation by educating parents about the importance of submitting free and reduced lunch forms, which help secure funding for these essential meal programs.

Several organizations are working tirelessly to bridge the food access gap:

• Snap-Ed Program: This program provides nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, and guidance on stretching food budgets, particularly for families utilizing SNAP benefits.

• Salvation Army: Lisa Daniels shared how the organization provides food, clothing, and utility assistance, in addition to Pathway of Hope, a year-long program that helps families move out of poverty.

• WIC Assistance: Lakeisha Tanner, WIC Coordinator, discussed eligibility adjustments particularly for foster children and emergency food support options for guardians who take in children without formal custody agreements.

Garland County is rich in food pantries and assistance programs, but awareness and accessibility remain key challenges. As we move forward, ongoing conversations, community outreach, and strong partnerships will be vital in making food security a reality for all. Together, we can build a community where every family has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.