During the holiday season, the Centro Cristiano de Rogers food pantry is experiencing a noticeable increase in the number of individuals and families who come to the pantry for help. “A lot of times they’re embarrassed to come to ask for food,” said Janet Tinoco, director of the pantry, which operates on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the church’s 2121 S 1st St. location.
Rising need in Northwest Arkansas
Taylor Speegle, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, estimates that roughly 113,000 people in the four‑county service area—Washington, Benton, Carroll and Madison—are food insecure. The food bank supplies Centro Cristiano de Rogers and other partner agencies with staple items such as maseca (corn‑tortilla flour), oil, rice, beans and other essentials that families request to meet cultural and nutritional needs.
“We work with many partners to try to address that protein gap, but especially during a holiday season, it’s important that we provide that tradition, right? That comfort that typically comes with the season,” Speegle added, emphasizing the role of protein‑rich foods in preserving family traditions.
Economic pressures driving demand
Many pantry visitors report recent job losses or insufficient income to cover rent or mortgage payments, which compounds their need for food assistance. Tinoco noted that the pantry limits each household to one visit per month, allowing the organization to stretch limited resources while still reaching as many families as possible.
Annual turkey drive to bolster supplies
To help meet the heightened demand, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and the River Valley Regional Food Bank are hosting the 14th annual 40/29 and Arkansas CW Turkey Drive on Friday, Nov. 13. Drop‑off sites include the Rogers Walmart Supercenter at 4208 Pleasant Crossing Blvd. and the Fort Smith Walmart Supercenter at 8301 Rogers Ave., where volunteers will collect turkeys and shelf‑stable items from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The turkey drive is a community‑wide effort that relies on local churches, businesses and volunteers to ensure families have a festive meal on their tables. Organizers hope the drive will offset the surge in pantry requests and provide a sense of hope and generosity during a challenging time.
How to help
Residents who wish to support the pantry or the turkey drive can donate non‑perishable foods, monetary contributions, or volunteer their time at the drop‑off locations. By working together, faith‑based groups and community partners aim to protect families from hunger and preserve the spirit of the holidays.
Original reporting: 40/29 News KHBS Fort Smith (local) — read the source article.
