Southland Casino Racing this week hosted a mobile food pantry distribution for Crittenden County residents. Each family received 40 pounds or more of food during the distribution.
In November 2021, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, a day devoted to a world-wide celebration of philanthropy and activism called “Giving Tuesday,” Southland Casino Racing, in collaboration with its parent company, Delaware North, announced continuing investments in the Mid-South community with donations totaling $600,000 to two organizations that serve the Crittenden County community: the Mid-South Food Bank and the East Arkansas Family Health Center.
“We’re very proud that Southland’s first distribution of $161,000 in funding to the Mid-South Food Bank has allowed the organization to add to its mobile pantry operations to improve the efficiency of food distribution in Crittenden County and reach food desert areas,” said David Wolf, Southland president and general manager. “It’s great to host the mobile pantry right here at Southland and address the critical needs of this community.”
The funds will establish and supply two Healthy School Pantries, in order to provide children and their families with access to food for preparation at home when other resources, such as school meals, are not available.
“The Mid-South Food Bank is thankful for this partnership with Southland Casino Racing,” said Cathy Pope, Mid-South Food Bank president and CEO. “This collaboration will help us increase food distribution for rural areas in Crittenden County and help establish more partner agencies in the area. Additionally, this opportunity will help educate and connect families to other vital programs that support food and economic security.”
