Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, alongside the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, has announced the official launch of the School Food Pantry Toolkit, a resource designed to help schools across Arkansas set up food pantries and ensure that no food goes to waste.
The toolkit was developed by Governor Sanders’ Faith-Based Initiatives office and offers school districts step-by-step instructions, quick tips, and supplemental resources to guide them in creating and managing school-based food pantries. The goal is to support students not just during school hours but also at home, where access to nutritious meals can sometimes be uncertain.
“Combatting childhood hunger is a top priority for my administration and this toolkit helps Arkansans make a difference in their own communities,” said Governor Sanders. “I am incredibly proud of our faith-based initiatives office, the Department of Education, and the Department of Agriculture for working together to develop this one-of-a-kind toolkit that will not only equip Arkansas’ school districts but can also serve as a blueprint to fight food insecurity everywhere.”
Supporting the Whole Child
Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva emphasized the importance of addressing all aspects of a child’s well-being to ensure 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.”
Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward also highlighted the important role agriculture plays in this effort. “Arkansas is blessed with a diverse agriculture industry with some of the best farmers and ranchers in the world,” Ward said. “From the Department of Agriculture to our many agricultural organizations and associations, we are thankful for the Governor’s leadership on this critical issue and we are ready to engage with students, families, schools, and communities across the state to help end childhood hunger in Arkansas.”
New Legislation Supporting School Food Programs
The launch of the toolkit comes as part of a larger statewide strategy to combat food insecurity. Earlier this year, Governor Sanders signed the Good Neighbor Act, which expands liability protections for food donors such as schools and restaurants, encouraging them to donate surplus food without fear of legal repercussions.
Governor Sanders also signed SB59, requiring all Arkansas public schools to provide one free breakfast per student per day, regardless of federal meal eligibility. This groundbreaking move makes Arkansas the first Southern state to implement such a program. Additionally, legislation was passed to cover the cost of school lunches for students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals.
Beyond the school year, Arkansas will continue participating in the Summer EBT program, ensuring students have access to nutritious food even when school is out.
Faith Communities at the Center of Change
The School Food Pantry Toolkit is a product of Governor Sanders’ Faith-Based Initiatives, an effort launched to unite Arkansas’ faith communities in addressing key challenges in the state. Since its start, the initiative has sparked roundtables and conversations that have led to impactful programs tackling issues such as childhood hunger, foster care, and maternal health.
The School Food Pantry Toolkit is now available to all school districts in Arkansas, offering a clear and practical path for schools to become active partners in the fight against hunger and food waste.
