Food insecurity does not always look the way we expect it to. In Northwest Arkansas, thousands of families rely on community resources like the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to access nutritious meals each week. Behind every food box and mobile pantry is a committed team of staff and volunteers working to reduce hunger across the region.
Serving Washington, Benton, Carroll, and Madison counties, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank partners with more than 110 agencies to distribute food directly into the community. Through food pantries, mobile food distributions, and special programs, the food bank ensures families in need are not left behind.
The organization’s mobile pantry programs bring food to where it is needed most. At in-school pantry events, volunteers assemble and deliver nonperishable food boxes for families to pick up. These efforts expand access for households facing transportation barriers. Other programs, such as Feed Rogers and the Teaching Kitchen, help neighbors access groceries while learning culinary and nutritional skills.
As the food bank continues to grow, volunteers play a crucial role in supporting daily operations. Whether it is bagging, stocking, greeting, checking in families, or providing bilingual assistance, there are opportunities for everyone. Volunteers can sign up to help at multiple sites, including the Volunteer Center, Feed Rogers, the Mobile Pantry, and the Teaching Kitchen. After an initial registration, volunteers simply choose their shifts online and show up ready to serve.
To recognize ongoing service, the food bank created Club 100, a special group for individuals who contribute more than 100 volunteer hours in a calendar year. School-age students can also earn graduation service hours, making the food bank a meaningful way for young people to get involved.
The impact is not only in what is given, but in what is shared. Volunteers often describe the experience as a welcoming, close-knit community. Friendships form across shifts, and regulars look forward to reconnecting while working toward a shared purpose. It is a place to give back, but also to belong.
Whether you are looking to make a difference through service, explore a future in nonprofit or food systems work, or simply find a way to help your neighbors, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank offers meaningful ways to get involved.
Visit nwarkansasfoodbank.org to explore volunteer opportunities and learn more.
