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Arkansas Community Foundation Launches Arkansas Full Table Fund to Advance Statewide Solutions to Food Insecurity

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (September 25, 2026) — Arkansas Community Foundation today announced the launch of the Arkansas Full Table Fund, a statewide initiative designed to invest in sustainable, community-driven solutions for food insecurity across Arkansas.

Anchored by a $10 million grant from the Walmart Foundation, the Arkansas Full Table Fund unites public agencies, agricultural producers and corporations in a common mission to strengthen and innovate policy, systems and change. Additional funders include Tyson Foods and Cargill.

Beginning October 1, Arkansas nonprofit organizations can apply for grant funding to improve access to federal nutrition programs, build food system capacity and drive community-led solutions to food insecurity. The grant application is open through December 7.

“When we talk about the future of our state, it starts at the table,” said Jessica Hughes Ford, President and CEO of Arkansas Community Foundation. “Arkansas is a state of unmatched natural abundance and neighborly pride, yet far too many of our families face empty plates. The Arkansas Full Table Fund is built on a clear, simple principle: we are supporting smart, scalable solutions so every Arkansan gets the food they need.”

“I am incredibly grateful to the Arkansas Community Foundation and the Walmart Foundation for developing this initiative to help ensure Arkansans have access to the nutritious foods they need to thrive,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “Since day one of my administration, we have been focused on eliminating food insecurity across the state, and the Arkansas Full Table Fund demonstrates just how much progress is possible when business leaders, agriculture partners and community organizations unite behind this common goal.”

“Ending food insecurity requires a strategic, unified effort,” said Dr. Marvin Carr-Ligons, Senior Director – National Foundation, at Walmart. “The Arkansas Full Table Fund creates a clear, measurable roadmap for cross-sector collaboration. We are proud to encourage leaders across Arkansas to join us at the table.”

“Tyson Foods is honored to support the Full Table Fund as a critical tool in reducing food insecurity across Arkansas,” said Tim Grailer, Head of Community Impact at Tyson Foods. “Addressing food insecurity takes partnerships in ideas, resources and scale to fully realize workable solutions. We’re excited to be a part of this big step forward for Arkansas.”

“The Arkansas Full Table Fund reflects our state’s continued commitment to fighting hunger and addressing food insecurity,” said Senator John Boozman. “As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’m proud that The Natural State is home to some of the finest farmers and ranchers in the world, and I’m encouraged to see partnerships that leverage this incredible agricultural resource to bring people and organizations together to tackle hunger and ensure nutritious food reaches those who need it most.”

The Arkansas Full Table Fund was developed following community conversations and focus groups conducted across Arkansas in 2025 to better understand the investments communities need to address food insecurity.

More information about the Arkansas Full Table Fund, including grant eligibility requirements and application information, is available at arcf.org/fulltable

About Arkansas Community Foundation

For 50 years, Arkansas Community Foundation has helped Arkansans turn local generosity into statewide impact. Since 1976, the Community Foundation has made more than $600 million in grants to support Arkansas communities and manages more than $1 billion in assets. Working through 29 local affiliates, the Foundation partners with donors, professional advisors, nonprofits and community leaders to engage people, connect resources and inspire solutions to build stronger Arkansas communities, forever.  

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