Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced emergency measures to support Arkansans affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The state will provide $500,000 from its Restricted Reserve funds to six food bank networks across Arkansas. These are the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank in Springdale, Food Bank of North Central Arkansas in Norfork, Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas in Jonesboro, River Valley Regional Food Bank in Fort Smith, Arkansas Foodbank (with branches in Little Rock, Lexa, and Warren), and Harvest Regional Food Bank in Texarkana. The funds will be available starting Monday, November 3. The Governor stated that additional weekly allocations may be considered if the shutdown continues.
The Governor’s office has also launched HelpArkansas.com. This website offers information on food assistance, volunteer opportunities, and donations. It will be updated regularly, and Arkansans can use it to find local food banks and receive updates about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from the Department of Human Services…