Best Food Grants for Nonprofits in Arkansas

Arkansas 501(c)(3) organizations addressing food access and hunger, education, or community servants can access funding through Casey's General Stores if they operate in a Casey’s community. Support may include donations for programs or events; requests are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with email feedback typically within one month.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) public charities and similar entities seeking to expand access to locally grown foods can apply for Arkansas Community Foundation’s Access to Local Foods Grants, offering up to US $15,000. Arkansas-based or Arkansas-serving programs that support specialty crop farmers, strengthen local food ecosystems, or connect growers to markets may be eligible.

The Social Impact Fund - Nationwide Grant supports innovative solutions addressing health care access, food security, and economic empowerment. Funded by the American Heart Association, this grant prioritizes community-led projects from organizations with under $10M in revenue. Eligible entities include both for-profit and nonprofit organizations based in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Grants can provide up to $250,000 to initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact, fostering sustainable change in health and wellness.

The No Kid Hungry Grant, provided by Share Our Strength, aims to support schools and community groups in ensuring children have access to nutritious meals. Grants are allocated for essential equipment rather than food, addressing the unique needs of programs serving children. With a focus on reducing financial barriers, the initiative prioritizes funding for the School Breakfast Program and summer meals, ultimately striving for equitable access to resources that help combat childhood hunger and promote community engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and other charitable organizations in Arkansas working on food access and hunger can seek support for programs that combat hunger and promote nutritional wellness. Grants from Journey for Good Foundation help North American organizations provide food-related initiatives, education and training, workforce development, and services for veterans and their families facing poverty.

Nonprofit organizations focused on food access, hunger, or environmental stewardship in communities near Whole Foods Market stores, including Arkansas, can seek biannual program support. With a mission to nourish people and the planet, Whole Foods Market provides funding to verified 501(c)(3) and other eligible charities through its Community Engagement Portal.

Food retailers and food enterprises in Arkansas seeking to expand healthy food access can apply for grants of US $20,000 - US $250,000 to support planning or implementation projects. Grants from Reinvestment Fund, through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative FARE Fund, also offer technical assistance for early-stage planning, predevelopment, and business support costs in underserved, low-income communities.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public agencies in Arkansas communities served by Sparklight can seek funding for projects addressing food insecurity, education, digital literacy, and community development. Sparklight provides support for special projects, capacity-building initiatives, and capital campaigns that strengthen local families and neighborhoods, rather than routine operating expenses or fundraising events.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters that are registered nonprofits and run community food or shelter programs can use this grant for direct food and housing support. Focused on food access and hunger, UNICO Foundation invites organizations domiciled in select states, including those serving low-income and vulnerable populations, to apply.

Nonprofits, public schools, tribes, and eligible government entities advancing food access and nutrition for children can seek up to US $100,000 from Newmans Own Foundation, including work in Arkansas. Grants support Indigenous food justice and nutrition education or school food programs in the U.S. and territories, with added learning cohort opportunities.

Nonprofit organizations addressing food access and hunger, cancer burden, or crisis response in Arkansas can apply for McKesson Foundation grants up to US $25,000. McKesson Foundation supports programs across the U.S. and Canada that improve health equity through nutrition assistance, preventative healthcare, disaster relief, and preparing a diverse, culturally competent healthcare workforce.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support direct-service programs addressing food access and hunger, poverty, and related social needs. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation provides program, capital, and general support for scalable efforts that promote economic independence and strengthen families across the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations in Arkansas providing food access, hunger relief, or nutrition education can apply for Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation’s Fighting Hunger Grants, with awards up to US $10,000 per program. Funding supports direct food assistance, food distribution, food rescue, and nutrition education efforts serving children, families, seniors, and other community members.

Arkansas food access and hunger nonprofits can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support food pantries, meal programs, and related community services. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, or those with charitable equivalency, may be eligible if their projects address health and welfare, education, or community needs, including programs for underserved populations and STEM or healthy lifestyle initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing food access and hunger in Arkansas can apply for grants supporting education, food security, and related outreach. Grants from Seaboard Foundation help eligible groups in Craighead and Franklin Counties strengthen local food systems and may also benefit programs that integrate animal welfare or educational components.

Arkansas nonprofits and public entities working on food access and hunger can access funding through American Electric Power Foundation to provide basic human services like hunger relief and housing stability. Eligible 501(c)(3) charities, government entities, and qualifying foundations in AEP’s service territory may also receive support for STEM education, social justice, environment, healthcare, safety, and cultural programs.

Arkansas food access and hunger nonprofits can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for programs improving quality of life for underserved individuals and families. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations near O'Reilly Auto Parts locations may request project, general operating, or capital support related to food insecurity, poverty, economic stability, and related community services.

Nonprofit and mission-driven food retailers and enterprises improving healthy food access can seek US $200,000 - US $3,000,000 to expand or launch projects in underserved areas, including Arkansas. The Reinvestment Fund’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative supports food access and hunger efforts, supply chain resiliency, quality job creation, and low-income community revitalization through financial and technical assistance.

Nonprofits and other organizations with active .ORG domains working on food access, hunger, health, education, equity, or community initiatives in Arkansas and worldwide can apply for the .ORG Impact Awards. Finalists and winners receive recognition, visibility, and up to US $50,000 directed as a donation to a nonprofit of their choice.

Arkansas nonprofits working on food access, hunger, or related sustainability initiatives can access funding through Oak Foundation for projects that make communities safer, fairer, and more sustainable. Eligible not-for-profit organizations worldwide may request US $25,000 - US $10,000,000 in multi-year or project support, starting with an unsolicited letter of enquiry when priorities align.

Arkansas school districts participating in the National School Lunch Program and running self-operated food service programs can receive support to shift from processed meals to scratch cooking. Whole Kids Foundation and Chef Ann Foundation provide multi-year training, assessments, strategic planning, and a Technical/Equipment Assistance Grant valued at up to US $250,000 per district, benefiting food access and hunger efforts.

Tyson Foods invites sponsorship proposals that reflect its core values and contribute to community welfare, particularly in Springdale, Arkansas, and Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Proposals should demonstrate clear community benefits, visibility of the event, and outline how funds will be utilized effectively. Organizations are encouraged to apply if they align with Tyson's mission of integrity and stewardship, ensuring that funding can support primary objectives while considering tax-deductible options.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Veterans Food Assistance Program

It is our goal to ensure that no veteran goes hungry by providing essential food assistance and household support, fostering stability and well-being in the lives of our veterans and their families.

The Veterans Food Assistance Program (VFAP) is designed to provide a one-time grant of essential food and household support to veterans and their families, ensuring no veteran goes hungry. With the rising cost of living, especially food prices due to inflation, this program offers a much-needed lifeline to those who have served our country. Once approved, the DVNF program team will handle the shopping for you.

The Veterans Food Assistance Program provides a one-time grant per household to support different family sizes, given the rising cost of food:

• Married Veterans Grant Allowance
  • Married - No Children up to $250
  • Married - 1 Child up to $300
  • Married - 2 Children up to $450
  • Married - 3+ Children up to $500
• Single Veterans Grant Allowance
  • Single - No Children up to $200
  • Single - 1 Child up to $300
  • Single - 2 Children up to $350
  • Single - 3+ Children up to $450

Better Food Policy Fund 

Since its inception, the Better Food Policy Fund has set its strategic direction in a participatory fashion. We are intentionally building capacity for engagement to ensure the Fund aligns with the needs of food policy council stakeholders.   

Thus far, the Fund has engaged 300+ food policy council stakeholders to help co-develop the Fund. We are immensely grateful for the individuals who helped shape the initial direction of this fund. We view this growing stakeholder audience as the people to whom the Fund’s governing body, the Independent Advisory Committee, is ultimately accountable.

Grantmaking

The Better Food Policy Fund invests in US-based food policy councils, empowering community and government collaboration for progressive food policy. We utilize participatory processes to enhance equity and redistribute power in the funding landscape. We seek to celebrate and uplift the work of food policy councils, and believe every food policy council is worthy of financial support.

We define “food policy councils” as councils, networks, coalitions, or other groups working across boundaries at the tribal, municipal, county, state, or regional level.  

We support actions aimed at ensuring an enabling environment for policy change, such as: 

• increasing levels of inclusive and equitable stakeholder engagement in public processes
• engaging systems thinking when tackling complex food system challenges
• facilitating collaboration with and across local government agencies and departments 
• developing or revising local policies and plans  

We define “better food policy” as practices, procedures, ordinances, laws, etc. of governing institutions which strengthen community-based food systems.

We define “civic collaboration” as people joining together at the intersection of community and government to address public issues.

The Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance, funded by the Agricultural Marketing Service, aim to support eligible organizations in enhancing cold storage capabilities within the food supply chain. This initiative focuses on providing essential nutrition assistance to low-income individuals through subawards to food banks and nonprofit organizations. By investing in cold storage equipment, the program seeks to improve the management and distribution of food resources, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive adequate support.

About Lions Club International FoundationLions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) provides grants that empower the service of our members. Since its inception in 1968, LCIF has awarded more than US$1.3 billion in grant funding.  Mission :Our mission is to empower Lions clubs, volunteers and partners to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives globally, and encourage peace and international understanding. And we fulfill it every day, everywhere we serve.Lions Club International Hunger Grant ProgramHunger Grants focus on strengthening infrastructure and providing essential equipment for Lions’ hunger-relief efforts. These grants empower Lions to support vital initiatives such as school feeding programs, food banks and feeding centers, ensuring that those in need receive the nourishment they require. These grants support infrastructure and equipment acquisition for Lions’ projects focused on alleviating hunger.Grant Examples: 

• Construction or expansion of food banks, feeding centers and food storage facilities.
• Purchase of refrigerators and freezers to store perishable food items.
• Vehicles to transport, collect and deliver food.

Ecolab Foundation

Ecolab Foundation is a philanthropic arm of Ecolab dedicated to advancing community well-being through programs that promote education, environmental stewardship, and public health. Its mission is to create positive social impact by supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and foster sustainable development.

The foundation’s primary areas of engagement include educational programs that enhance learning and workforce readiness, environmental projects that encourage conservation and sustainability, and health-related initiatives that improve hygiene and safety. It focuses on partnerships that deliver measurable benefits and long-term impact.

Ecolab Foundation operates primarily within the United States while also supporting global initiatives aligned with its corporate responsibility goals. Its geographic scope reflects a commitment to addressing local community needs and contributing to broader sustainability efforts.

The foundation collaborates with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community-based groups. It prioritizes partnerships that demonstrate strong governance, clear objectives, and alignment with its mission of education, health, and environmental responsibility.

Ecolab Match Program

Ecolab established the Volunteer and Community Relations programs to encourage and reward Ecolab employee and alumni involvement in the communities where people live and work. There are three programs including the Board Leadership Volunteer Grant.

Board Leadership Volunteer Grant

Ecolab will donate up to $500 USD annually to a qualifying 501(c)3 organization (some restrictions apply) for which an eligible person serves on the Board of Directors. 

Focus Areas of Giving

• Youth and Education: programs that promote youth development, particularly for programs that ensure all students are successful
• Civic & Community Development: affordable housing, work readiness, crisis assistance and hunger relief
• Environment & Conservation: hands-on environmental learning programs, environment and conservation organizations
• Arts & Culture: arts education for children and youth as well as support for museums and the performing arts