Arkansas research shows 37% of residents face food insecurity

New research from the Arkansas Hunger Continuum reveals that approximately 37% of Arkansans, totaling more than 1.14 million people, do not have sufficient food to meet their needs. The study was conducted by the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance in partnership with six Feeding America member food banks through more than 5,200 surveys and interviews.

The findings highlight a gap in current assistance efforts: while charitable food distribution in the state has nearly doubled over the last decade, food insecurity rates have continued to rise. Approximately 23% of residents receive assistance through programs like SNAP, WIC, or charitable distributions but still lack adequate food, while another 14% experience hunger without any assistance.

Researchers noted that 400,000 Arkansans remain food-secure specifically because of these assistance programs. Additionally, the study found that 40% of those experiencing hunger did not seek public or private aid in the previous year. Among food-insecure households that do not receive assistance, 70% have incomes above 130% of the federal poverty level.