The FSPD Food Patrol was established in August 2020 with a clear mission: to swiftly address the nutritional needs of those who may lack transportation and resources to satisfy their hunger. This initiative has a direct link to addressing domestic violence issues and reducing related emergency calls.

It also enables us to forge positive relationships with the residents of these communities, fostering trust.

Given the high volume of calls originating from these complexes, residents often hesitate to engage with the police, as their interactions have typically been enforcement-related. To date, we've successfully distributed over 10,000 meals to the Fort Smith Community.

Our program operates in collaboration with five partner churches, each responsible for providing 100-150 Sack Lunches during their designated weeks. These partner churches include:

• Evangel Temple
• St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church
• West-Ark Church of Christ
• First United Methodist Church
• New Life Church

Their support is vital in helping us make this positive impact on our community and stop food insecurity and the problems that can come with it.