10<\/p>\n
Arkansas Community Foundation has launched a new statewide initiative aimed at supporting sustainable, community-driven approaches to food insecurity.<\/p>\n
The Arkansas Full Table Fund is anchored by a $10 million grant from the Walmart Foundation, with additional funding from Tyson Foods and Cargill. The initiative brings together public agencies, agricultural producers and corporations to strengthen and innovate policies and systems addressing food insecurity.<\/p>\n
Beginning Oct. 1, Arkansas nonprofit organizations can apply for grants to improve access to federal nutrition programs, build food system capacity and develop community-led solutions. Applications will remain open through Dec. 7.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we talk about the future of our state, it starts at the table,\u201d said Jessica Hughes Ford, president and CEO of Arkansas Community Foundation. \u201cArkansas is a state of unmatched natural abundance and neighborly pride, yet far too many of our families face empty plates. The Arkansas Full Table Fund is built on a clear, simple principle: we are supporting smart, scalable solutions so every Arkansan gets the food they need.\u201d<\/p>\n
The fund was developed following community conversations and focus groups held across Arkansas in 2025 to better understand what investments communities need to address food insecurity.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am incredibly grateful to the Arkansas Community Foundation and the Walmart Foundation for developing this initiative to help ensure Arkansans have access to the nutritious foods they need to thrive,\u201d said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. \u201cSince day one of my administration, we have been focused on eliminating food insecurity across the state, and the Arkansas Full Table Fund demonstrates just how much progress is possible when business leaders, agriculture partners and community organizations unite behind this common goal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEnding food insecurity requires a strategic, unified effort,\u201d said Dr. Marvin Carr-Ligons, senior director, National Foundation, at Walmart. \u201cThe Arkansas Full Table Fund creates a clear, measurable roadmap for cross-sector collaboration. We are proud to encourage leaders across Arkansas to join us at the table.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tyson Foods is also supporting the initiative.<\/p>\n
\u201cTyson Foods is honored to support the Full Table Fund as a critical tool in reducing food insecurity across Arkansas,\u201d said Tim Grailer, head of community impact at Tyson Foods. \u201cAddressing food insecurity takes partnerships in ideas, resources, and scale to fully realize workable solutions. We\u2019re excited to be a part of this big step forward for Arkansas.\u201d<\/p>\n
U.S. Senator John Boozman also highlighted the role of Arkansas agriculture in addressing the issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Arkansas Full Table Fund reflects our state\u2019s continued commitment to fighting hunger and addressing food insecurity,\u201d said Sen. John Boozman. \u201cAs Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I\u2019m proud that The Natural State is home to some of the finest farmers and ranchers in the world, and I\u2019m encouraged to see partnerships that leverage this incredible agricultural resource to bring people and organizations together to tackle hunger and ensure nutritious food reaches those who need it most.\u201d<\/p>\n
Click here for more information about the Arkansas Full Table Fund, including grant eligibility and application details.<\/p>\n
Feature Photo: Jessica Hughes Ford
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