Because of his participation in fundraisers, acting as a waiter, State Representative Danny Watson brought a check to present to Hope in Action this morning. 

Before the presentation, Watson had one word to characterize the need for food in our region right now. “This is a critical need. I’m always tickled to be affiliated with the [Arkansas] Hunger Relief Alliance … I noticed in our church bulletin this past week in reference to our local food pantry here in Hope that it is critical, especially this time of year with the upcoming holiday.” 

On hand for the presentation was Lance Whitney, Advocacy Director of Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, who identified the funding source. “I’m here to award the Hope in Action pantry with our Serving Up Solutions mini grant. This pantry was nominated by Representative Watson. He chose to work a fundraiser for us and for that he gets to nominate a pantry and he has chosen Hope in Action for that $500 grant.” 

A $500 grant was also presented to a pantry as a result of Watson’s work. “We legislators are able to qualify by actually waiting on tables, serving people at some functions in Little Rock during the off season. This is my fourth time to participate, even though it’s not mandatory. It’s a lot of hard work but we get a check cut to us, and I wanted to give half to each of my towns here.” 

Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance is an association of state food pantries. Whitney said, "Our goal is to end hunger in Arkansas, and we'll be looking for a different job after that. But until then, hunger still exists. We help with legislation, community gardens, No Kid Hungry programs, any way we can get food to the families of Arkansas who are in need."

If anyone else wishes to contribute to Hope in Action, which is located on 606 West Third in Hope, the pantry’s number is 1-870-777-8227. 

Mark Ross contributed reporting and the photo to this story.