Food Insecurity

Fayetteville and Springdale schools are offering free summer meals to anyone 18 years old and younger. Ozarks at Large's Matthew Moore talks to officials and parents.

Food banks and schools in Arkansas are facing a potentially difficult situation after the United States Department of Agriculture cancelled nearly $1 billion in programs.

On today's show, we hear from a group of organizations in Arkansas that are coming together to protect direct democracy on the ballot. Plus, residents of Franklin County gathered last week to challenge an impending prison being built. We also discuss why Osage Park in Bentonville is more than just a green space.

The school district in Arkansas’ largest city is asking for help to pay off school lunch debt. At a press conference this week, Little Rock School District Superintendent Jermall Wright said the district's nutrition department has few resources to bridge the gap between school budgets and unpaid student lunch debt.

A $1 billion cut to the USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program is expected to drastically cut resources for food banks in Arkansas, where food insecurity impacts 1 in 5 people.

Food banks play a crucial role in efforts to alleviate food insecurity nationwide. On today's show, we discuss the importance of food banks in 2025. Also, today, TheatreSquared is staging a world premiere. Plus, an appreciation of volunteers for National Volunteer Month.

The 15th year of the Million Meals campaign begins today, April 1. Sponsored by Arvest Bank across four states, the effort collects resources for food banks and pantries.

Historians are working to learn—and share—more about Black settlers in Washington County. On today's show, a conversation about the updated Annotated Bibliography on Black Settler of Washington County Arkansas. Also, XNA has new vending machines offering a necessary good: diapers. Plus, we hear from a company based in the UK that is participating in the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator.

A new study conducted by the federal Department of Agriculture, or the USDA, has identified Arkansas as the most food-insecure state in the country. With almost 20% of the state lacking resources to feed their household, Arkansas has a significantly higher rate of hunger than the national average of 12%. Sophia Nourani speaks with state leaders and other key groups to learn more about the root of Arkansas’ problem with food and possible solutions.

On today's show, Arkansas is the most food-insecure state in the nation. Groups are working on solutions to combat those statistics. Also, the challenges and futures of micropolitan areas. Plus, a quick history of Arkansas political ads.