‘Tis the season to feed our community!

‘Tis the season to feed our community!

2025-10-30 15:35:35 by Bekah Smith

The holidays are here, and we're daydreaming about tables sagging under the weight of annual potlucks, lazy afternoons scented with butter and spices, and everyone gathered together to brighten up the darkest months of the year. Of course, this year might be a bit different for some of our neighbors as SNAP benefits come to an end on November 1st and more than 240,000 Arkansans are cut off from their primary source of food support. (source) 

If you plan to donate items to your local food banks or shelters this year, let your library of choice offer some guidance to make the most of your gift! 

Bring any of the following items, sealed and far from their expiration date, to your local food pantries: 

  • Flour 

  • Sugar 

  • Brown Sugar 

  • Baking Powder 

  • Baking Soda 

  • Shelf Stable Milk 

  • Salt 

  • Spices 

  • Bouillon Cubes 

  • Crisco 

  • Cooking Oil (any kind, but high heat preferred) 

  • Honey 

  • Tea Bags 

  • Instant Coffee 

  • Oatmeal (instant or stovetop) 

  • Rice 

  • Beans (canned or dried, chickpeas and black beans have the highest protein content!) 

  • Popcorn (microwave or kernels) 

  • Canned Basics: diced tomatoes, beans, corn, meat 

  • Boxed Broth (chicken, beef, and veggie) 

  • Dried Mushrooms (great source of vitamin D!) 

  • Pasta & Jars of Sauce 

  • Instant Mashed Potatoes 

  • Ramen Noodles 

Not sure where to find a pantry? Text “FINDFOOD” to 844.381.3663 and enter your zip code when prompted to receive a list of pantries nearby. Or, if you live around North Little Rock, drop items by Potluck Food Pantry! 

There’s more you can do to support our community this season...  

  • Donate hygiene products, gently used warm clothing, new socks/underwear to local shelters and The Van instead of local resale shops. 

  • Drop bags of pet food and chew toys off at your nearest animal shelter.  

  • Donate to your school district’s lunch debt fund.  

  • Bring items for your school or library item drive (like our upcoming Mr. Rogers Sweater Drive!) 

  • Offer your time to community organizations so year-round staff can have a break during the holidays (volunteers are welcome the days before and after the holiday too!) 

  • Keep winter care bags on hand filled with warm socks, lip balm, lotion, and gift cards to local fast-food restaurants – give them to anyone you see who might need one! 

Your NLRPLS Librarians are always happy to brainstorm other ideas with you. Stop by your preferred branch and have a chat – we’ll keep the place warm for you! 

Download Our Donation Guide Here!