Package #3
Lifesource will host a Holiday Food Drive starting on Nov. 14 till Dec. 13.
“One in six families in Arkansas ar
e food insecure,” Executive Director Jimmy Conduff said. “Northwest Arkansas is more food insecure than anywhere else in the state.”
Conduff said food insecurity is defined as the disruption of food intake because of a lack of money and other factors. Lifesource is asking for things such as canned goods, dry goods, beans, rice, pasta, and instant potatoes.
Lifesource is a nonprofit that offers several different programs. These include a food pantry, adult education plans, marriage and family counseling, children’s after school care, and a senior citizens program. All programs are free to those who need it, Conduff said.
Marquel Nichols, a teacher at Lifesource, said the holiday season is the hardest for those in need.
Outside of the 500 to 600 families they serve monthly, they will be serving an additional 500 to 600 through the holidays with extra food. Lifesource’s food pantry is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 8 to 11 a.m. It opens again in the evenings on Monday and Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. for those who work during the day.
Lifesource started as a food pantry in a local church. The founder, Ernie Conduff, said he felt he needed to help those who were food insecure. Ernie left the church in 2002 to start Lifesource. Its goal is to strengthen families and build up the community, Ernie said. Today, Lifesource offers several different ways for folks in the community to get involved, either as a participant or volunteer.
Lifesource is partnered with Toys for Tots. It is the sign-up and distribution point for Washington County. Toys for Tots is a Christmas program that helps families provide toys for their children during the holidays.
“Kids deserve a treat every once in a while,” Director Conduff said.
They are accepting toys from Nov. 14 till Dec. 13. They will be giving out the collected toys to families the week of Christmas.
“We have people with empty cupboards here in northwest Arkansas,” said Conduff, as he talks about their food drives.
The organization’s two major food drives they host in the fall have been canceled due to COVID-19. This is problematic because these drives typically supply the organization with about 10 months’ worth of food for families in the community.
They are asking people to please donate. There are three drop-off locations for people to take their goods:
Lifesource Building (602 South School Ave.)
Uncle Tanks Storage (885 W Henri de Tonti Blvd.)
Southern Storage (1551 Main Drive)
For more information please contact their offices: 479-521-4000