30 Sep 2024 Arkansas MLK Jr Commission battling against food insecurity

By Lori Dunn

This Martin Luther King Jr. quote serves as a motto for the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission (AMLKC). Supporting Central Arkansas families with food insecurity is one important way the commission puts this motto into action.

“Hunger weakens communities. It affects children’s ability to perform in school; it worsens health conditions,” said DeShun Scarbrough, executive director of the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission (AMLKC).

Addressing food insecurity aligns with the core mission of the AMLKC. The commission has long been a champion for education, nonviolence and equality and an urgent challenge for it has been addressing the alarming levels of food insecurity in Arkansas.

Arkansas ranks first in the nation for food insecurity according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Thousands of people, especially children, senior adults and those in marginalized communities, are unable to access nutritious and affordable food consistently. Factors contributing to this include high poverty rates, lack of grocery stores in rural areas, and economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Dr. King emphasized the importance of eradicating poverty and hunger, seeing these as integral to achieving racial and economic justice. Inaction in the face of hunger is not an option for an organization that seeks to continue his legacy,” Scarbrough said.

“By addressing this issue, the AMLKC can directly support these communities, improving their health, stability and overall well-being. By stepping up to address food insecurity, the AMLKC can strengthen the social fabric of Arkansas, fostering a more resilient, healthy and equitable community,” he said. Attendees at food outreach events are diverse, ranging from upper middle-class families to displaced residents. “Hunger is represented in all socio-economic classes,” Scarbrough said.

AMLKC has several other events planned in the coming months. See the sidebar on page 49 for details. 

Most of the food is donated through partnerships with various organizations. The commission also serves hot meals onsite to homeless and displaced residents who arrive on foot and do not have homes to store food items.

The commission is always trying to recruit new volunteers, especially young people.

“Volunteerism is great for youth because it fosters personal growth, builds essential life skills and strengthens communities,” the leader said. “It helps youth feel more connected to their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and a desire to contribute to positive change. It instills the importance of giving back and encourages active participation in addressing societal issues. Service is the process of building better communities.”

Dr. Bernice A. King, his daughter, has described the Arkansas Commission as “the most active commission in the country.”

Scarbrough said he was “honored and humbled” when he learned of the compliment she had given AMLKC. “I consider Dr. Bernice A. King as a mentor, confidante and friend, and it really meant a lot to me for someone of her stature to say that. Being entrusted with the global responsibility of the descendant of such an icon speaks volumes of how she feels about me representing her father,” he said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission at 888.290.KING. The commission is located at 906 Broadway, Suite 100, Little Rock.