The Arkansas Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture have launched a new toolkit to help schools develop or expand food pantries for communities. Recent Arkansas legislation, specifically the Good Neighbor Act (HB 1682) signed into law this year, is designed to help alleviate food insecurity throughout the state. The new guidelines expand liability protection for food bank donors, removing restrictions and making it easier for individuals and community organizations to donate food to area food banks.
Chris Bryant, KY3 News, spoke with Harrison Schools superintendent Dr. Stewart Pratt last week about the guidelines, the needs they address, and the opportunities they provide. Click here to view the news feature.
Harrison Schools already maintains a food pantry for those in need. School Based Human Services Director Rebecca Williams works with donors to collect food to be distributed to families in need. This new law removes some of the barriers previously blocking some donations. If you would like more information about donating to the HPS food pantry, contact Rebecca at 870-741-7600 or via email at rwilliams@hps.k12.ar.us .