Rice donation to reach all of Arkansas

• The state produces roughly half of the 16 billion pounds of rice grown in the U.S. annually.
• The grain is one of the top staples that Feeding America recommends for donations to food pantries, along with peanut butter, pasta and canned goods.

Why it matters: Feeding America estimates nearly 470,000 Arkansans — or 15% of the state's population — battle food insecurity.

• About 135,000 of those are children.

Zoom in: Benton and Saline counties had the lowest levels of food insecurity during 2021 at 10.7% and 11.3%, respectively.

• 13.4% of people living in Washington County struggled with hunger that year.

What they're saying: "Food banks have really been squeezed, so this incredible donation could not have come at a better time," Brian Burton, CEO of Arkansas Food Bank in Little Rock said at a news conference.

• Inflation and lingering supply chain issues, along with slowed government commodities tied to pandemic relief, have made sourcing food more difficult, he said.
• The donation will be distributed to all four Feeding America Food Banks in the state — including the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank — and will reach people in all 75 counties.

Of note: Tyson Foods said it would donate $2.5 million to support Feeding America this month.

How you can help: The Little Free Pantry movement, started by Jessica McClard of Fayetteville, maintains a national map of hyperlocal food pantries where anyone can leave shelf-stable staples.

• The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank accepts volunteers for various parts of its operations — learn more and apply.