Fort Smith residents are being asked to support the River Valley Regional Food Bank’s 14th annual 40/29 and Arkansas CW Turkey Drive, which begins Friday at locations throughout Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. According to 4029tv.com, the drive is critical for meeting the heightened food demand that typically accompanies the holiday season.
Food bank director Hattie Hamilton warned that the 48,000‑square‑foot warehouse could be emptied in about a month without community contributions. The facility supplies food to 150 pantries across eight counties, which then distribute the supplies to families in need. Hamilton said, “People are hungry every day, and you can’t tell if they’re hungry or not. It could be the person standing next to you and they’re hungry. There’s not a sign on them that says, hey, I’m hungry. Most people keep that to themselves.”
Last year, a staff of ten distributed more than 19 million pounds of food, and Hamilton noted that demand continues to grow as the cost of food, utilities and gasoline rise while wages remain static. “You have to decide what’s the most important thing to buy that week,” she added.
Jim Elam, a volunteer with the Kibler Baptist Church Pantry—one of the food bank’s partner pantries—emphasized the drive’s impact on local families. “People tell me that if we weren’t there, they wouldn’t eat. It breaks your heart,” Elam said. He reported that his pantry’s end‑of‑month giveaway served 593 families within the River Valley, noting that the food bank’s reach multiplies that number across the region.
Hamilton highlighted the turkey drive’s specific role, stating, “The turkey drive is a huge help in that we can supply the pantries with all the turkeys we’re gathering up. It makes a huge difference.” For those unable to attend the in‑person collections, monetary donations can be made online starting today.
What’s next: The turkey drive runs on Friday, with collection sites spread across the River Valley and Northwest Arkansas. Residents are encouraged to donate turkeys or contribute financially online to ensure pantries remain stocked through the holiday season.
Sources: 4029tv.com
