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Step-by-Step: How to host a food drive, support area food banks

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/30 .. o-host-a-food-drive-support-area-food-banks.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 10:57 GMT by Southwest Times Record
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Fort Smith Residents Rally to Tackle Upcoming SNAP Pause with Community Food Drive

Fort Smith, Arkansas – As the Arkansas Department of Human Services announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be temporarily suspended in the Fort Smith area through the end of the month, local residents, churches, and nonprofits are stepping up to keep the community’s pantry shelves stocked. The news has prompted a flurry of grassroots action, with many people turning to organized food drives as a way to fill the void left by the paused benefits.

The pause, which took effect on October 29, comes amid a broader budget shortfall that has forced the state to cut temporary funding for SNAP. According to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, the decision was made to preserve the program’s long‑term viability, but it has left hundreds of families scrambling to make ends meet. The pause is slated to last until the end of the fiscal year, with a new funding allocation expected in early 2026.

“People are looking for immediate relief,” said Karen Thompson, director of the Fort Smith Food Bank. “We’re already receiving a surge in donations, but we need a more organized approach to ensure that the most vulnerable are supported.”

Planning a Food Drive in the Heart of the Community

The Fort Smith Food Bank is leading the charge, offering practical guidance to anyone interested in organizing a food drive. According to the bank’s website, an effective food drive involves the following steps:

1. Define Your Goals – Identify how many families you aim to serve and what types of food are most needed. Perishable items such as milk and eggs are valuable, but non‑perishables—canned goods, dry pasta, and canned beans—are often in short supply.

2. Secure a Collection Site – The bank recommends partnering with local businesses, churches, or community centers. “We’ve partnered with the First Baptist Church, the downtown grocery, and even the local library for drop‑off sites,” said Thompson.

3. Gather a Volunteer Team – A volunteer roster of 15–20 people is sufficient for a single‑day event. Volunteers can help sort donations, manage logistics, and engage with the public.

4. Promote the Drive – Flyers, social media, local radio spots, and community newsletters are all part of a robust outreach strategy. The Food Bank’s Facebook page, which currently has over 12,000 followers, is a key platform for real‑time updates and calls for donations.

5. Set Donation Guidelines – Items should be unopened, within the expiration date, and in good condition. Perishable goods must be kept cool and transported promptly to avoid spoilage.

6. Coordinate Distribution – Once collected, the food bank processes donations and redistributes them to partner shelters and agencies. For families that can still access the SNAP portal, the Food Bank offers vouchers that can be used to purchase fresh produce at local markets.

Partnerships That Strengthen the Response

The article highlights how local partnerships are amplifying the impact of food drives. The Fort Smith Food Bank’s official page lists a coalition of organizations including:

• Fort Smith Public Library – The library’s “Community Giving” program offers a 500‑square‑foot space for donation drop‑off during weekdays.
• Local Faith Communities – Six churches have pledged to host drives, with one already scheduled for Friday, November 1.
• The Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce – The chamber has committed to providing logistical support and promoting the event through its business network.

In addition, the article links to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s website, where a section on “Community Food Assistance” offers supplemental resources for families in crisis. The page provides downloadable flyers and guidelines on how to obtain emergency food assistance if SNAP benefits are delayed.

Impact on Residents

Residents who have lost SNAP benefits are already turning to the food bank for help. “I can’t afford to go out for groceries, and the food bank has been a lifesaver,” said Maria Lopez, a single mother of two who lives in the West Side. “If we had a community food drive, it would be an extra safety net.”

The Food Bank’s data show that the pause has already increased demand by nearly 20% in the past week. “We’re seeing more requests for fresh produce and protein,” said Thompson. “A well‑coordinated food drive can offset those shortages until the state funds the program again.”

How to Get Involved

The article encourages anyone in the Fort Smith area to get involved, whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. The Food Bank’s volunteer coordinator, James Miller, says: “It’s easier than ever to sign up. A few hours a week can make a huge difference for families who are suddenly out of pocket.”

Those who wish to host their own drive can use the Food Bank’s free template, which outlines essential details such as collection time, item requirements, and contact information. The template is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese to reach a broader demographic.

Looking Ahead

While the SNAP pause is a temporary setback, the community’s swift response demonstrates resilience and solidarity. The Fort Smith Food Bank is optimistic that, with continued support, families will weather the interim without losing access to nutritious food. In the meantime, residents are urged to keep up the momentum: “Every donation counts,” said Thompson, “and every volunteer brings us one step closer to stability.”

As the city rallies together, the message is clear: when a public program falters, the people of Fort Smith can—and will—step in to fill the gap.