Arkansas is ranked 50 out of 50 for food insecurity, and that statistic stops being “data” the moment you picture a classmate wondering where dinner will come from. We sit down with Holden J., our 2026 Youth of the Year, to talk about why hunger became his platform, what food insecurity really looks like day to day, and why it can stay hidden even in communities that look like they’re doing fine from the outside.
We get practical fast. Holden breaks down simple ways to help that don’t require a huge budget or a perfect plan: donate what you can, volunteer at a food bank, support local drives, and consider building or stocking a blessing box so families can access food and essentials with dignity. We also talk about how community partners, sponsors, and donors make youth programs possible at the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County, and why giving time matters just as much as giving money.
Then we switch gears with a “this or that” game, share favorite memories from trips and conferences, and reflect on how advocacy grows through friendship, mentorship, and real support. From Washington, DC conversations with senators to the everyday work of showing up for kids, the takeaway is clear: community care is not theoretical, it’s built through action.
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More About this Episode
Facing the Reality of Hunger in Arkansas: Why Food Insecurity is My Personal Mission
Arkansas is a land of incredible beauty and close knit communities. It is the place I call home and the place that has shaped me into the person I am today. Yet beneath the surface of our vibrant neighborhoods lies a staggering reality that many people choose to ignore. Right now as we navigate through 2026 Arkansas is ranked the worst food insecure state in the nation. We are 50th out of 50. According to a recent report from the University of Arkansas nearly 30 percent of our residents struggle with food insecurity. That means almost one in three people you know are wondering where their next meal is coming from.
When I talk about food insecurity I am not just citing statistics I am speaking from the heart. I have experienced this issue firsthand and that personal connection is what drives my advocacy. It is a silent struggle. You might see a family at the park or a student in your classroom and have no idea that they are making impossible choices. Maybe they are skipping meals so their children can eat. Maybe they are choosing between paying the rent and buying groceries. For many children in our state school lunch is the only reliable meal they get. When summer hits or the weekend arrives that safety net vanishes. This is the reality I am fighting to change.
The Power of Small Actions and Blessing Boxes
The scale of hunger in Arkansas can feel overwhelming but I truly believe that the solutions do not always have to be grand or complex. One of the pillars of my platform is the implementation of Blessing Boxes. These are small community resource boxes where people can leave nonperishable food and hygiene products for anyone in need to take. It is a simple concept based on the idea of neighbors helping neighbors. There is no paperwork and no judgment. It is just food available to those who need it 24/7.
Through my work with the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County I have seen how these boxes can transform a neighborhood. We are currently working on a mission to put a Blessing Box at every club location possible. These boxes serve as a tangible reminder that someone cares. They are also incredible tools for youth leadership. Programs like Keystone and Torch Club allow young people to take ownership of these projects through community service. Whether you are a student club or a local business owner setting up a Blessing Box is a way to create a localized impact that saves lives.
Beyond the Box: Advocacy and Volunteering
While Blessing Boxes are a fantastic start they are just one piece of the puzzle. Ending hunger requires a multi faceted approach that involves every level of our community. If you are looking for ways to get involved I always encourage people to look at their local food banks. These organizations are the backbone of food distribution in Arkansas and they are always in need of volunteers to sort donations or distribute boxes.
Advocacy is another powerful tool. You do not have to be a professional lobbyist to make a difference. Meeting with local politicians to discuss bills that increase school funding or support food assistance programs can have a massive ripple effect. Your voice matters. When we speak up collectively we can move the needle on those statistics. Remember that every dollar donated and every canned food item provided helps a family stay afloat. It does not have to take all your time or all your money. It just takes a commitment to not look away.
Community Support: The Village That Raised Me
I am often asked how I have managed to accomplish so much at eighteen years old. The truth is that I am a product of my community. As a nonprofit the Boys and Girls Club relies on the generosity of sponsors and board members who believe in the potential of youth. Every trip I have taken and every leadership council I have served on was made possible because someone in the community invested in me.
This support system goes beyond financial backing. It is about the coaches who stayed in touch after moving away and the club staff like Ashley who have been in the front row of my basketball games and track meets. That sense of belonging is what motivates me to keep pushing. When I advocate for food security I am doing it for the people who cheered me on. I feel a responsibility to give back to the community that poured so much into me. We often hear the phrase that it takes a village to raise a child and I am living proof of that. My goal is to ensure that the village is strong enough to feed every child within it.
Lessons from the Capital: Advocacy in Washington DC
One of my most impactful experiences as an advocate was traveling to Washington DC to speak with senators about food insecurity. I went with a fellow club member Kaylee who was advocating for mental health awareness. During that trip we realized how deeply our issues were intertwined. Hunger and mental health are not isolated problems. If a person is struggling with their mental health they might find it difficult to maintain steady employment which leads to food insecurity. Conversely the chronic stress of hunger can lead to severe anxiety and depression.
Walking through the museums and standing before the White House was a surreal experience for a kid from Arkansas. It reminded me that our stories have power. Being able to represent the Boys and Girls Club on a national stage taught me that advocacy is about more than just presenting facts. It is about humanizing the struggle and showing our leaders that behind every statistic is a face and a future. We were able to step back and enjoy being kids too exploring the city and making memories but the core mission stayed with us. It reinforced my belief that youth voices are essential in the fight for social change.
The Lasting Impact of the Boys and Girls Club
As I look toward the future and my upcoming graduation I cannot imagine where I would be without the Boys and Girls Club. It has been my second family and my safe haven. Beyond the programs and the travel the club has taught me the values of a gentleman and the importance of connections. It has provided me with a roadmap for the real world.
The club is a place where financial burdens are lifted and where dreams are nurtured. It is not just about keeping kids off the streets. It is about giving them a platform to lead. My best friends and my greatest role models all came through those blue doors. I am so thankful for the donors and volunteers who make this possible for millions of kids across the country.
How You Can Join the Fight
If you are reading this and wondering how you can help I want you to know that the answers are limitless. You can reach out to the Boys and Girls Club of Benton County to see how you can help build or stock a Blessing Box. You can start a food drive at your office or even just commit to donating a few items to a local pantry once a month.
We are at a crossroads in Arkansas. We can either accept our ranking at the bottom of the list or we can work together to climb out of it. I choose to work. I choose to advocate. I choose to believe that we can end hunger in our communities if we all decide that it is no longer acceptable for our neighbors to go without.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Whether you are listening to the podcast or reading these words your support means the world. Let’s continue to unmute the issues that matter and create a future where every Arkansan has a seat at the table and a meal on their plate. Together we can turn the tide on food insecurity and show the nation what the heart of Arkansas is truly capable of achieving.
