About Heart of the Bay Food Pantry
Serving the Fairfield Bay community with compassion and care
Our Mission
"The mission of the Heart of the Bay Food Pantry located in Fairfield Bay, Arkansas is to provide an additional food resource primarily targeted to the citizens of Fairfield Bay and the surrounding areas. These resources shall be provided through a food pantry and soup kitchen to be housed in the Fairfield Bay Senior Community Center through collaboration with the City of Fairfield Bay and the Community Center Board of Directors. The Heart of the Bay Food Pantry will partner with the Arkansas Food Bank located in Little Rock, Arkansas, and the United States Department of Agriculture to increase local availability and easy access to all available food sources for the Fairfield Bay community."
Our Vision
"The vision of the Heart of the Bay Food Pantry is embedded in our goal and motto: No One Goes Hungry. As the implementation of the mission progresses, we will always seek to identify needs as they arise and modify our work to meet those needs. Heart of the Bay Food Pantry shall seek to grow and improve continuously with the community."
Our Story
Heart of the Bay Food Pantry was formed by former Fairfield Bay EMS volunteers who identified a critical need in our community. One of the needs has always been to address not only the nutritional needs of our senior citizens but also their emotional needs.
Our older population often has to decide between paying bills, medications, and groceries. There are also families and younger folks who face challenges in feeding themselves and their families.
With these challenges in mind, a group of volunteers formerly of the Fairfield Bay EMS put together a proposal to bring the Heart of the Bay to the Senior Center. The idea was received by the Mayor and a plan was put into action. They even partnered with the Arkansas Food Bank which gives the Pantry the opportunity to offer more nutritionally balanced food options that include dairy, meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Our Leadership
Founders
Heart of the Bay Food Pantry was founded by Sally Sowell and Janice Kent, whose vision and dedication have been instrumental in creating this vital community resource.
Mayor Sikes presented Sally Sowell and Janice Kent with the Key to the City for their dedicated work in establishing and growing the food pantry.
"Sally said her and Janice started this but it's the volunteers and the community that have made this a special project."
Our Partnerships
We are proud to collaborate with several organizations to fulfill our mission:
- City of Fairfield Bay
- Senior Community Center Board of Directors
- Arkansas Food Bank (Little Rock, AR)
- United States Department of Agriculture
These partnerships enable us to provide nutritionally balanced food options and expand our reach within the community.