Feeding the Community: The Caring and Sharing Food Pantry's Mission to Combat Hunger

In the heart of South Arkansas County, a dedicated team of volunteers is working tirelessly to ensure that no one goes hungry. The Caring and Sharing Food Pantry, a vital community resource, is providing supplemental food assistance to those in need, thanks to the tireless efforts of its organizers and the generosity of local residents.

Empowering the Community, One Meal at a Time

Accessible Assistance for South Arkansas County Residents

The Caring and Sharing Food Pantry is a beacon of hope for South Arkansas County residents seeking supplemental food assistance. Open four times a month, the pantry provides a vital lifeline to those struggling to make ends meet. Volunteer Jean Prange, the driving force behind the pantry, emphasizes the importance of making the resources accessible to all who need them. "We are open the second Tuesday and Thursday and the fourth Tuesday and Thursday of each month," Prange explains, ensuring that the pantry's services are available to those who may be working during regular business hours.For those unable to visit the pantry in person, Prange has implemented a flexible system to ensure that no one is left behind. "If you send your ID and where you live and a note with someone, then we can serve you even then," she says, demonstrating the pantry's commitment to reaching the most vulnerable members of the community.

Addressing the Increased Need for Donations

The Caring and Sharing Food Pantry is currently experiencing a surge in demand for its services, as the summer months often bring additional challenges for families struggling with food insecurity. To meet this growing need, the pantry is actively seeking community support through donations of non-perishable food items and monetary contributions.Community members can bring their donations to Mary West at Southern Bancorp in DeWitt or directly to the food pantry at 100 Court Square during business hours. Donors can also mail funds to the pantry's P.O. Box 8 in DeWitt, 72042. Residents interested in supporting the pantry can contact Jean Prange at 870-830-3028 or volunteer Mary Nell Whitmore at 870-946-6005 for more information."We depend on our community for the money we get to operate," Prange emphasizes, underscoring the vital role that local residents play in sustaining the pantry's operations. The pantry also accepts honorariums and memorials, providing an opportunity for the community to make a lasting impact on those in need.

Fresh Produce and Dedicated Volunteers

In addition to non-perishable food donations, the Caring and Sharing Food Pantry also welcomes fresh produce from local farmers and gardeners. "If you will catch us when we are open, we can give it to the clients we serve that day," Prange explains, highlighting the pantry's commitment to providing nutritious, high-quality food to its clients.The success of the Caring and Sharing Food Pantry is also a testament to the dedication of its volunteers. Prange notes that various churches throughout the community take turns helping with the monthly packing and distribution of groceries. "We have one that will help us each month with packing up the groceries to give out and to distribute to the clients," she says, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of these community partners.However, the pantry is still in need of additional volunteer support, particularly from local churches. "We are very blessed that we have a church each month of the year, except we have had one church that disbanded. We need a volunteer church for June. If any church wants to volunteer in South Arkansas County, call one of us, and we will see if we can set you up," Prange appeals to the community.The pantry also welcomes volunteers from the general public, including students looking to fulfill their community service requirements. "If you call me, we will set up a time. We have had some young people that have volunteered from high school," Prange says, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in sustaining the pantry's operations.