Arkansas Department of Education, Agriculture launches school food pantry toolkit

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – State officials said the Arkansas Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture have launched a toolkit to help schools develop food pantries for communities.

Officials said the toolkit was developed through Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ Faith-Based Initiative office. The kit provides schools with step-by-step instructions, quick tips and supplemental resources to assist them with establishing school-based food pantries.

The governor pointed to recent legislation signed into law to help alleviate food insecurity in the state, including the Good Neighbor Act, which expands liability protection for food bank donors, and the school breakfast legislation that ensures a free breakfast for every Arkansas student on every school day.

Previous legislation provides free school lunches for eligible students who qualify for reduced-price meals and the summer EBT program.

Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva said the food pantry toolkit and other programs are critical for student success.

“Addressing the needs of the whole child is essential to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed,” Oliva said. “The School Food Pantry Toolkit empowers districts to take meaningful steps in supporting students and families, and it represents another important stride in fostering healthy, thriving school communities across Arkansas.”

Additional information on the food pantry toolkit is available on the Department of Education website.