Texarkana – On Tuesday at noon, the Harvest Regional Food Bank will launch National Hunger Action Month with its annual Hunger Action Luncheon, held at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church. The event, open to the public, aims to raise awareness of food insecurity in the region and to celebrate the volunteers and corporate sponsors who keep the food bank’s shelves stocked.
Keynote speaker and honors
Arkansas Representative Carol Dalby will deliver the keynote address, speaking to the shared responsibility of neighbors to care for one another. The luncheon will also present a special recognition to the 2026 Hunger Hero of the Year, highlighting an individual whose dedication has made a measurable impact on feeding families.
Why the focus now?
According to Camille Coker Wrinkle, CEO of Harvest Regional Food Bank, September is a critical month for drawing attention to the growing crisis of food insecurity. “These are our neighbors – the people we live with, work with and attend school with,” Wrinkle said, emphasizing that hunger touches every corner of the community.
Recent data show that Texas and Arkansas rank among the states with the highest rates of food insecurity, especially among children under 18. Nationwide, more than 47 million people—including 14 million children—are facing hunger, a level not seen in over a decade. Within the counties served by Harvest Regional Food Bank, the prevalence of food insecurity ranges from 14 % to over 20 % each year.
Serving a broad region
Harvest Regional Food Bank is the Feeding America affiliate that serves Bowie County, Texas, as well as Miller, Lafayette, Hempstead, Little River, Sevier, Howard, Pike, Nevada, and Columbia counties in Arkansas. By partnering with local churches, schools, and businesses, the organization distributes thousands of pounds of nutritious food each month to families in need.
How to attend
Tickets for the luncheon are priced at $10, with all proceeds supporting the food bank’s ongoing programs. Reservations can be made by calling 870‑774‑1398 or emailing the provided address. Attendees will enjoy a light lunch, hear inspiring stories from volunteers, and have the opportunity to connect with community leaders committed to ending hunger.
Community impact
The event underscores the vital role that faith‑based institutions and local volunteers play in combating hunger. By gathering at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church, the luncheon highlights how churches can serve as hubs for charitable outreach, reinforcing the shared values of compassion and service that bind the Texarkana community.
As National Hunger Action Month unfolds, Harvest Regional Food Bank encourages residents to consider ongoing ways to help—whether through regular donations, volunteering at distribution sites, or simply spreading the word about the need for food assistance in the region.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
