Pine Bluff food pantry prepares for big back-to-school giveaway

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – A food pantry in Pine Bluff has been working non-stop as it prepares for a big back-to-school giveaway.

Debra Allen, director of First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry, said the event comes at a time when they’re seeing more and more families in need.

“(Pine Bluff School District) is starting early so that’s why First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry set their giveaway early,” Allen said.

Allen said this back-to-school giveaway is desperately wanted by community members.

“I know there will be a lot of kids,” Allen said.

Allen said she is expecting more than a thousand people to attend the event. She said there’s a major need for the giveaway.

“It’s so bad and hard on people right now,” Allen said. ”I see it all, I’m the one who gets the phone calls. They don’t have groceries in the house, the kids have nothing to eat, they call me in the middle of the night. My pantry has turned into an emergency food bank.”

She said that is why they’re planning to give more than just school supplies.

“We got 90,000 pounds of groceries from the Arkansas food bank and Tyson donated,” said Allen.

Allen says they received help from around 50 sponsors and they’re able to help give kids more food while providing supplies for families.

“We do household supplies, tissue paper, paper towels. washing powder,” said Allen.

Allen said they will also have people on site who will give kids hairdos and haircuts. Allen hopes the event gives a light to families in need.

First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry’s Back to School Giveaway will be held Sunday, July 21, at 2 p.m. at 1201 Commerce Road in Pine Bluff.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.