Letter from the CEO
When you think about the activities of the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, disaster response may not be the first thought that comes to mind. But when you think about a community’s ability to recover after a natural disaster, access to food is an important part of the recovery.
Northeast Arkansas has experienced a number of impacts from storms in 2025. Families have lost homes due to tornadoes or have been displaced from flooding. Many families were without power for a week due to downed power lines. When natural disasters impact Northeast Arkansas, the Food Bank works with county offices of Emergency Management to learn about a community’s immediate needs. Then we engage with local, regional, state, and national partners to provide water, food, and cleaning supplies.
But we also understand that recovering from a natural disaster takes months, sometimes years. That’s why our network of partner agencies is so important. After the initial response is over, the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas will continue to send food to support communities rebuilding after a natural disaster. We appreciate our partners and donors who enable us to
provide food to communities that are recovering from natural disasters.
Serving After the Storm
On April 2nd, an EF3 tornado swept through Northeast Arkansas, leaving a path of devastation nearly 25 miles long with peak winds at 160 mph, according to the National Weather Service. One of the hardest-hit areas was Lake City — a close-knit community located less than 15 miles from the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas.
In the days that followed, we responded quickly, delivering pallets of disaster relief boxes, snacks, and bottled water to help meet urgent needs. As the community begins the long road to recovery, we remain dedicated to standing beside our neighbors.
On April 16, we returned to Lake City to host a Disaster Recovery Food Distribution, offering support to households impacted by the storms and flooding. Due to multi-day power outages, most lost their food supply. Moments like these remind us why our mission matters. When disaster strikes, hunger doesn’t wait — and neither do we.
Together, we are making a difference.
Serving Hope and a Hot Meal in Blytheville
Located at 534 Maple Street in the heart of Blytheville, the Blytheville Community Samaritans Center is far mo
re than a soup kitchen — it’s a beacon of hope for those who need it most.
Open Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m., this vital partner agency of the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas provides more than just hot meals. It offers a place of safety, support, and compassion for anyone facing hard times.
In addition to daily meal service, the Center is partnering with the Red Cross to offer a wide range of resources to meet the diverse needs of the community: a warming and cooling station, food distribution, water and ice, health services and first aid, computer and charging stations, tools, a clothing closet, and emergency supply distribution.
The Center also invests in the future of Blytheville through its afterschool program and a six-week summer program for youth ages 7–18, giving local kids a safe, nurturing space to learn, grow, and thrive.
“Being involved with the Center, you see the need every day, and you thank God for places like this,” says Director Eddie Echols. His words reflect the heart of the mission — to serve with compassion and meet people where they are.
We’re honored to spotlight the Blytheville Community Samaritans Center and celebrate the incredible work they do every day to uplift and support the Blytheville community.
What brought you to the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas?
I have a background in nutrition and am committed to the belief that access to food is a basic human right.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I really enjoy working with all the volunteers! They put so much effort into packing the food boxes to ensure our neighbors in need get the support they deserve.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
The part of the job that weighs on me the most is seeing how much our neighbors need food. It’s truly heartbreaking to know so many people are struggling just to get by every day.
What has impacted you most since you started working at the Food Bank?
The personnel at the Food Bank have had the greatest influence on me. Our team is committed to distributing food to those in our community who are most in need. Each member demonstrates dedication and works collaboratively on a daily basis to maximize assistance.
If you could have dinner with any 5 people, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
My dad passed away 13 years ago, and I’d give anything to have one more meal with him and share some laughs together.
I’d really enjoy having dinner with my grandma, listening to her stories and soaking up her words of wisdom. I so miss her sassy personality and her fierce, loving spirit.
I really wish I could have had dinner with Chris Cornell. I was lucky enough to see him perform live once, but I would have loved to see him again and again. He just seemed like such a genuine soul, and honestly, the world could use more people like that.
I think John Lennon would be a great person to dine with. He was loved for his musical genius as a songwriter and performer, his passionate advocacy for peace, and his ability to connect with people on a personal level.
Last but definitely not least, Jacqueline Kennedy — To me, she’s the ultimate picture of class. She was such a style icon, and her grace and dignity were truly unmatched.
