River Valley Regional Food Bank

Food Assistance · Arkansas · Free

Regional food bank distributing donated and purchased food through partner agencies across the Fort Smith area and River Valley counties. Fathers can call the Zero Street office or use the online agency locator to find nearby pantries, mobile markets, and backpack programs. Most partner sites ask for photo ID, proof of address, and household size at intake; some limit visits to a set number per month.

Contact & Details

Address: 1617 S Zero St, Fort Smith, AR 72901

Phone: 479-785-0582

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

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About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in Arkansas

Arkansas circuit courts hear family law matters in all 75 counties, with the Office of Child Support Enforcement under the Department of Finance and Administration. Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville are the largest metros. Legal Aid of Arkansas and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services provide free civil representation to eligible fathers statewide.

More Food Assistance in Arkansas

  • Arkansas Foodbank — Largest hunger-relief organization in Arkansas, distributing food to pantries, soup kitchens, and programs across 33 counties in central and
  • SNAP Benefits – Arkansas DHS — State Department of Human Services program administering SNAP food stamp benefits to eligible low-income Arkansans. Fathers can apply online
  • Feeding America – Arkansas Partners — National hunger-relief network with member food banks and thousands of partner agencies serving every Arkansas county. Fathers can use the o
  • WIC Program – Arkansas — Federally funded nutrition program for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under five in low- and moderate-income households.
  • Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas — Regional food bank serving 12 counties in northeast Arkansas through a network of pantries, soup kitchens, backpack programs, and mobile dis
  • Pine Bluff Community Food Pantries — Network of church and nonprofit food pantries serving low-income households in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County with emergency groceries, hot

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?
Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?
Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?
Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?
USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.