Harvest Regional Food Bank tackles growing hunger in Texarkana

TEXARKANA, Ark. (KTAL/KMSS) – Help putting food on the table, that’s what drew a line of people around the block to a food distribution site.

“I mean, I don’t think it’s even stopped from the moment I got here,” said James Standridge, facilities and food safety coordinator for Harvest Regional Food Bank.

They set up four separate food distribution sites across the city of Texarkana on Thursday morning.

“I’ve seen a lot of grateful people. There’s a lot of people here who are obviously in desperate need,” said Standridge.

Some of the people there were new to seeking out help in this way.

“This is my first time, you know, dealing with this,” said Mary Johnson.

The effects of the government shutdown and snap benefit cuts are some of the factors that prompted Harvest Regional to take this step.

“I am basically just out here because I haven’t received my food stamps this month. This was really inconvenient for us, but I got to do what I got to do. I got to provide for my children. I have four kids and I need the help,” said one woman who did not want to be identified.

Others who came looking for help blamed a larger trend of rising costs.

“The prices in the stores are up higher. Every little bit helps,” said Stanley Taylor.