A can or a truck load, no food donation too small

When it comes to helping food insecure Veterans in need, no food donation is too small. At the Ozarks VA, from one can of soup to one truck load of groceries, every donation helps.

Despite economic challenges in 2022, community partners, individuals, employees and anonymous donors have graciously and generously donated to food insecure Veterans.

“I have a heart for all the hungry and hurting but especially Veterans,” said Chelsea Pascensia, nutrition manager at the Samaritan Community Center. “They have made the biggest sacrifice you can make and whatever we can do to help, we will do. It is a worthy cause to say the least. It takes a community coming together to address and solve the issue of food insecurity.”

Micro Food Pantry – Self-serving 24/7

Just a few who heard the call for food donation and answered:

• The Fayetteville-Springdale Elks Lodge, #1987 donated holiday food boxes
• Arkansas State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution donated shoebox gifts
• Samaritan Community Center donated fresh eggs and cases of food
• Tyson Veterans Business Resource Group donated food boxes
• Northwest Arkansas Food Bank donated food
• VHSO held a food drive
• University of Arkansas Student Athlete Development conducted a food drive
• Dozens of individuals have stepped up with gifts big and small

Also in the pantry are education materials for Veterans to learn about services available, such as suicide hotline, whole health opportunities and VA specialty care services.

Pantry is self-serving 24/7

Donations tend to slow down after the holidays but, unfortunately, food insecurity does not. In hopes of providing food all year round, the Ozarks VA Food Security Committee opened a Micro Food Pantry in October, which is accessible 24/7 and self-serving.

Nurse Elizabeth Childs, Food Security Committee member (pictured above), offered her heartfelt insight of the pantry. “I am very honored to work with the micro food pantry and to help others that have food insecurities,” she said. “I have had times in my life that if it was not for organizations like the food pantry, I would not have had food and would have gone hungry. I remember many times of not knowing where the next meal would come from, and I was always thankful for the food that was provided. I wanted to be a part of this committee to be able to bring that same hope to our Veterans as well, especially in these times we are facing now. It is always nice to have a place to turn to in time of need.”