Texarkana, Ark. — LifeHouse Church revived its beloved Snack Shack on East Street, reopening on Sept. 8 to provide free, nutritious snack bags to local youth after school. Open weekdays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the program serves children from kindergarten through age 18 without requiring parental supervision, preregistration, or identification.
Meeting a pressing need
Volunteer Curtis Keeling explained that many children finish their school lunch only to return home to an empty kitchen. “We found out that most who go to school eat lunch but then go home to no supper,” said James Scott, pastor of LifeHouse Church. “That inspired us to start the Snack Shack and also the summer feeding program.”
Each snack bag contains a vegetable, a fruit, a protein source, milk and juice, offering a balanced mini‑meal that helps bridge the gap between school lunch and dinner. “When the kids come here, they also get to see another different way of life,” Keeling added, noting that the program not only feeds but also models Christian service.
Volunteer‑driven, faith‑centered service
The Snack Shack is staffed by volunteers from LifeHouse Church and other community members who view the work as an expression of their faith. “We do it for Jesus,” Pastor Scott affirmed. “The Snack Shack has been around for at least eight years, and we’re grateful to continue that legacy.”
Volunteers see the daily interaction as an opportunity to build relationships with families and to share a message of love and care. “I’d like for this program to be known that this is here and we are here to help,” Keeling said. “We want to make sure that kids around here can get something to eat and some love.”
Impact on families and the broader community
Organizers hope the Snack Shack will make a lasting positive difference for children and their families, especially those struggling with food insecurity. By providing a reliable source of nutrition after school, the program eases the burden on parents who may be working multiple jobs or facing economic hardship.
Local residents have praised the initiative, noting that the simple act of offering a snack bag also creates a safe, welcoming space for children to gather and socialize. The program’s open‑door policy—no ID, no registration—ensures that any child in need can benefit, reinforcing the church’s commitment to serving the whole community.
Looking ahead
LifeHouse Church plans to sustain the Snack Shack throughout the school year and expand its reach during the summer months. The organization also hopes to inspire other churches and nonprofits in the ArkLaTex region to launch similar after‑school nutrition programs.
For families interested in learning more or volunteering, the Snack Shack can be reached at its East St. location during operating hours.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
