A State United Against Hunger
As your representative, one of my top priorities is to ensure that every Arkansan has access to the food they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. In our great state, more than 567,000 people, about 18.6% of our population, experience food insecurity, meaning they don’t always know where their next meal is coming from. Tragically, this includes nearly one in four of our children. Our state’s food insecurity rate is the second highest in the nation, and it’s been steadily increasing since 2020. This issue is both pressing and personal, and the General Assembly is working hard to address it.
As legislators, we understand that hunger is not just a matter of food—it’s a matter of health, education, and overall well-being. To that end, we have been working on a range of legislative actions to reduce food insecurity and improve access to nutritious food. Below are some of the key pieces of legislation that we are pushing forward to combat hunger in Arkansas.
Eliminating the Grocery Tax: HB1685
A major step forward in addressing hunger is reducing the burden of living costs on Arkansas families. In this session, we introduced HB1685, which aims to eliminate the state’s 0.125% sales tax on groceries. Govenor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently announced this bill, which would return approximately $10.9 million annually to Arkansas taxpayers. For families who are already struggling to make ends meet, this tax break will ease the pressure on their grocery bills.
Although this bill will provide relief to many families, it’s important to note that it does not affect county and municipal grocery taxes, so local governments can still fund vital services. However, this legislation is a step in the right direction by helping to make groceries more affordable for all Arkansas residents. The bill has been assigned to the House Revenue and Taxation Committee, and we are hopeful it will move forward quickly.
The Good Neighbor Act: HB1682
A critical part of fighting hunger is ensuring that food donations flow smoothly from donors to food banks, which play a pivotal role in getting food to those in need. This is why we have introduced HB1682, the Good Neighbor Act. This bill would expand liability protections for food donors, including retail grocers, wholesalers, hotels, motels, restaurants, caterers, farmers, nonprofit food distributors, schools, churches, religious organizations, and hospitals. These protections ensure donors are shielded from legal repercussions when donating food in good faith to food banks or other charitable organizations.
Food banks are lifelines for many Arkansans, and we want to encourage more donations to these organizations. By expanding liability protections, the Good Neighbor Act helps ensure that more nutritious food can be safely distributed to those who need it most. This bill has been assigned to the House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee for review, and we are working diligently to get it passed.
Free Breakfast for Students: Act 123
We know that children who are well-nourished are better equipped to succeed academically. Studies consistently show that
students who eat a healthy breakfast perform better on standardized tests and have higher overall academic achievement. To support our children, we passed Act 123 this session, which guarantees that every student in Arkansas will receive a free breakfast, regardless of whether they qualify for free or reduced-price meals under federal law. This legislation is already signed into law and will help ensure that no child starts their school day hungry.
Act 123 is made possible by repurposing medical marijuana tax revenue to fund Arkansas’ free breakfast and lunch programs, as well as the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program. In fact, Governor Sanders recently announced that the Summer EBT program will continue this year after serving nearly a quarter of a million children last summer. By providing nutritious meals year-round, we are helping to ensure that Arkansas students don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, allowing them to focus on their education and personal growth.
Supporting Local Food Freedom: HB1149 and Act 125
We also recognize the importance of supporting local food production and ensuring that Arkansans can have greater access to fresh, locally grown food. This year, we passed two Food Freedom bills that empower Arkansas families and farmers to grow, sell, and access food more easily.
HB1149 prevents counties and municipalities from imposing regulations on vegetable gardens located on residential properties. This bill upholds the rights of homeowners to grow their own food without unnecessary restrictions, helping to reduce food insecurity at the local level. Whether it’s a small garden or a larger community initiative, these efforts to grow fresh produce are vital for communities looking to fight hunger.
Additionally, Act 125 expands opportunities for small farmers by allowing the sale of unpasteurized milk at farmers’ markets or through direct delivery from the farm. This bill supports local farmers and helps diversify food options for Arkansas families, making it easier for them to access nutritious food produced close to home.
A State United Against Hunger
These legislative efforts are just the beginning. As we work through the 2025 session, our focus on addressing hunger in Arkansas remains a top priority. I’m proud to be part of a General Assembly that is taking meaningful action to tackle food insecurity and improve access to healthy food for all our residents. From eliminating the grocery tax to supporting food banks and local farmers, we are committed to making real progress in the fight against hunger.
However, hunger is not a problem that can be solved solely through legislation. I always look forward to working with Serving Up Solutions, an annual event where legislators serve meals prepared by Arkansas’ most talented chefs and bring together individuals committed to making a tangible impact. The proceeds go toward supporting the Hunger Alliance’s programs, providing essential grants to food pantries and food banks. Food insecurity is a challenge that requires community engagement, cooperation, and collective effort. If you are in need of assistance, I encourage you to reach out to local food banks, such as the Harvest Regional Food Bank, schools, and community organizations that are working tirelessly to help Arkansans in need. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous state where no one goes hungry.
