Food Pantries See Rising Need Ahead of Holidays
Local pantries report more individuals and families seeking food as the holiday season approaches, and a turkey drive is collecting donations on Nov. 13.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Food pantries across the region have seen an increase in people needing food during the holiday season. The 14th annual 40/29 and Arkansas CW Turkey Drive collects turkeys and shelf-stable items on Friday, Nov. 13.
Why it matters
Many people visiting local pantries report losing their jobs or lacking money for rent or mortgage payments, and the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank serves 113,000 food insecure individuals in its four-county service area. Donations collected during the drive help stock both the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and the River Valley Regional Food Bank.
The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank serves 113,000 food insecure individuals across four counties, Washington, Benton, Carroll, and Madison. The extraction does not provide a figure for how much holiday demand has grown or a target for Turkey Drive donations.
The players
Northwest Arkansas Food Bank
A regional food bank serving Washington, Benton, Carroll, and Madison counties, and a recipient of donations from the Turkey Drive.
River Valley Regional Food Bank
A regional food bank in western Arkansas that also receives donations from the Turkey Drive.
The details
Centro Cristiano de Rogers, at 2121 S 1st St. in Rogers, runs a food pantry open Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., where individuals or families may receive food once a month, including maseca, oil, rice, and beans. The 40/29 News team will collect turkeys and shelf-stable items from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Walmart Supercenter locations at 4208 Pleasant Crossing Blvd. in Rogers and 8301 Rogers Ave. in Fort Smith.
Timeline
Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Centro Cristiano de Rogers food pantry is open to the public.
Friday, Nov. 13: The 14th annual 40/29 and Arkansas CW Turkey Drive collects donations, with drop-offs from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Philanthropy Context
The 14th annual 40/29 and Arkansas CW Turkey Drive extends a 14-year tradition of collecting turkeys and shelf-stable goods for Arkansas food banks. This year's drive returns as pantries in Northwest Arkansas report more people seeking food during the holidays.
Donors can drop off turkeys and shelf-stable items at Walmart Supercenter locations in Rogers and Fort Smith from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13. Those seeking food can visit the Centro Cristiano de Rogers pantry on Wednesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The takeaway
Small, one-time contributions of shelf-stable food during the holidays help food banks meet rising demand when households are most strained.
Further reading
Explore more on Philanthropy to see how local giving efforts support food banks across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KHBS.
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