Throughout the Twin Lakes Area, there are several organizations addressing the issue of food insecurity on a local level, and among the most well-known are the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas and the Mountain Home Food Basket. First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home also tries to address the issue with its Backpack and Summer Meals programs in support of children in Baxter County.
Pastor Daniel Thueson and Cathy Bauer were among the guests representing the church on a recent episode of the Talk of the Town on KTLO-FM. Thueson says the programs are housed at the church, but they are community-based with other organizations involved.
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Often, there are local residents unaware of how prevalent food insecurity is in the area. Bauer says the statistics show one out of every three children in Baxter County are affected by food insecurity.
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The programs have not been immune from rising costs. Since the coronavirus pandemic, the programs are having to spend nearly $5,000 per month to supply local children with food.
The programs have their share of volunteers, but Thueson says there is always room for more individuals or companies to get involved.
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For more information on how to get involved, contact First United Methodist Church at 870-425-6036, or visit the church at 605 West Sixth Street in Mountain Home.
This month, Our Community Cares, sponsored by Farmers and Merchants Bank, Carl Wayne’s Nurseries, Danny Porter of Century 21 LeMac Realty, American Safeguard Insurance, Arvest Bank and KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot, recognizes First United Methodist Church’s effort to address food insecurity with the Backpack and Summer Meals programs. Learn more at ktlo.com/ourcommunitycares.
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