Hunger in Northwest Arkansas is a major issue. Arkansas is ranked number one in child hunger and low food security in the nation.

Fortunately, the community is trying to help those in need and lower hunger in the area. The canned food drive collects donated cans of non-perishable food items; the donated cans are then given to families in need.

“It’s awesome that they’re helping people,” said junior Laurie Wells.

Future Farmers of America (FFA) is conducting a canned food drive. A donation box is located in the school cafeteria. The canned food drive will last two weeks and the cans collected will be donated to the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.

In efforts to motivate students, principal Danny Brackett has issued a challenge to all students to bring in 100,000 cans of food. According to FFA sponsor Patti Priest, if that goal is met, Dr. Brackett agreed to extend lunch for all students during November.

“I feel like it’s a really good cause and more people should be involved,” said senior Liz Larsen.

Many teachers offer incentives for their classes to increase participation in the food drive. APUS history teacher John Stewart sets a goal of 2,000 cans. If his classes reach 2,000, they will not have to write one of the essays for the year.

“My kids write about 18 essays in the year, so if they don’t write one, it’s not the end of the world,” said Mr. Stewart. “The goal is 2,000 cans. If they bring in 4,000 cans, then I get to teach all day in a dress.”

On October 30 FFA trick-or-treated for cans in spirit of Halloween. FFA also collected cans at the Springdale vs. Har-Ber football game Nov. 2.

“We’re setting up at the gate on the game Friday and getting cans there,” said FFA member junior Abby Sizemore.

Last year FFA collected over 7,900 pounds of canned food.