The Food Basket began operations in September of 1985 to serve areas in Baxter County that did not have a facility to help provide food for the needy. Until 2004 we enjoyed facilities rent free from which in 1986 we had 1,305 requests for food and distributed a total of 52,000 pounds. A fire in November of 2003 resulted in a total loss of food stocks, freezers, shelving and office equipment. Through the generosity of the community we were able to replace all of our losses and resume operations. Unfortunately we were informed only a few months later that the new building was sold and we would have to move once again. A search for new quarters took us to our present location, but no longer rent free. We are now looking for a permanent location to ensure that the Food Basket will always be able to serve the needs of the area.
In 2009 we added distribution of USDA Commodities in order to provide even more food to our clients.
Unfortunatly the need for assistance has never been greater. Arkansas has the THIRD highest incidence of hunger in the nation. One out of every nine Arkansans requires food assistance. Requests have increased to about 400 per month and we distributed more than sixty tons of food in 2009. Cumulatively we provided food to almost 10,000 people in 2009.
The Food Basket is an all VOLUNTEER organization with no paid employees. We have about sixty volunteers who perform all the work necessary to provide food assistance to our clients. The Food Basket is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors meeting once a month.
