Food Insecurity
Many families that experience food insecurity do not qualify for federal nutrition programs and visit their local food banks and other food programs for extra support.
Food insecurity has broad effects on health due to the mental and physical stress it places on the body. Children are particularly susceptible to the
negative impacts of food insecurity because their brains and bodies are still developing.
Among children, food insecurity is associated with anemia, asthma, depression and anxiety, cognitive and behavioral problems and a higher risk of being hospitalized.
Our Services
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Food Pantry
Available during normal operating hours in the Parent Resource Center, the food is picked up by the families at the school when they pick up their children, eliminating the need to make an extra trip to a local pantry for food. For immediate needs, HWCEC families are welcome to take items anonymously or we can place items in their trunk while they are picking up their child, eliminating any embarrassment from visiting the food pantry.
If you need ongoing food assistance, we can connect you with a food pantry, and even run there for you if you are strapped on time or resources to get there.
The Food Pantry is supported thanks to donations from Tyson and Blue and You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas.
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Healthy Groceries
While we strive to utilize local food pantries, we also provide assistance to struggling HWCEC families by going to the grocery store for them to purchase healthy, nutritious fresh and frozen foods for their family.
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Formula Assistance
HWCEC families of infants may sign up to receive free Member’s Mark formula every month.
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Community Refrigerator
Located in the Arvest Neighborhood, extra food from our kitchen is available for HWCEC families and staff to take home on a daily basis. No need to ask, just open up the refrigerator and take what you need.