Rogers students learn about, address food insecurity through school

ROGERS -- Students are learning about food insecurity -- and how to address it -- through a partnership between the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and local schools.

The Food Bank has partnered with 32 schools across 17 school districts for its school pantry program. Participating schools hand out food to people during scheduled distribution dates.

Some schools use a drive-thru distribution model where people needing food can pick it up. Other schools have a market-style setup where individuals can select their preferred food items.

Schools can also choose who helps run the program. All schools rely on teacher volunteers and some receive extra help from community partner organizations and businesses.

The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank provides food supplies to schools free of charge as par