Arkansas Foodbank to host emergency food distribution amid federal shutdown

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Officials with the Arkansas Foodbank announced plans to host an emergency food distribution this Saturday to assist federal and state employees affected by the ongoing government shutdown.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Nov. 1 at Saint Mark Baptist Church, 5722 W. 12th St. in Little Rock.

Arkansas Foodbank representatives said food boxes and donated Kroger gift cards will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for government workers and their families who present a valid government ID, officials said.

According to a spokesperson, this will be the sixth mobile food distribution held since the shutdown began, as more than 240,000 Arkansans could face food assistance delays if SNAP benefits are not funded by Nov. 1.

Officials from Arkansas Foodbank and Saint Mark Baptist Church will be available for media interviews from 9 to 11 a.m.