In a new report, the United States Department of Agriculture said Arkansas has the highest level of food insecurity in the nation. While many people continue to deal with the hardship, there are many organizations in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley that are working to solve the issue. Watch the 40/29 Feeding Hope chronicle live TONIGHT at 6:30 p.m. on 40/29 News.MAP | River Valley food assistanceMAPS | Northwest Arkansas food assistanceRiver Valley Regional Food BankThe River Valley Regional Food Bank serves eight counties in Arkansas. Officials at the food bank said they distributed 14 million pounds of food in 2022 and helped feed more than 100,000 people a month.”It’s a staggering number. It’s a sad number. But it it’s the scary truth,” said Tracy Engel, the director of the River Valley Regional Food Bank. “With COVID, our numbers were really up, and we thought by this time, you know, post-COVID, numbers would start going down, but we haven’t really seen a decrease,” Engel said.She added that every dollar donated to the food bank helps give ten meals to people dealing with hunger.Northwest Arkansas Food BankThe Northwest Arkansas Food Bank serves four counties in the state. Officials there said they distributed over 13 million pounds of food in 2022 alone. The organization said it is important to get food to as many people as possible.Kent Eikenberry is the president and CEO of the NWA Food Bank. He said, “I have seen the look on somebody’s face … That look of despair turns into a look of hope when I know that they’re going to be able to go home and feed their kids at night.”The NWA Food Bank continues to be a vital source for people dealing with food insecurity.For those who don’t have reliable transportation or internet service, the NWA Food Bank offers their mobile food pantry. The director of the food bank said its mobile pantries go to 20 different stops all throughout Northwest Arkansas, mainly in rural areas. She said they go to areas that would be considered “food deserts,” which means it may not be easily accessible for neighbors to get food. Another way the NWA Food Bank helps those in need is with Feed Rogers.Feed RogersFeed Rogers is a grocery store of sorts, that allows people who can’t afford to shop at a regular grocery store get the food they need.Sabrina Theide is the NWA Food Bank’s director of programs. She said, “We allow families to choose up to five pounds per family, and that’s the best part is that they get to choose.”Theide said most of the food they receive is donated. She added, “This area over here, you’re going to see our cold foods. We have some really great retail rescue programs with some local retailers where we go and pick up foods that are maybe close to their expiration date or close to their best buy date but are still really good for families to eat.”Theide said proteins and produce are in high demand. “We hear all the time how much our neighbors love choosing the fresh produce because when you go to the store, and you’re trying to stretch your dollar, produce usually isn’t in the budget because produce is one of the most expensive foods, so the ability for neighbors to come in and choose these produce items is a huge deal,” said Theide.Theide also talked to 40/29 News about Feed Rogers’ “order ahead” service. She said the group asks people to use their website, where they can choose a location and a time that’s best for them. They also get to choose the groceries that they want. As long as they have reliable transportation, people may drive to Feed Rogers to pick up their orders. Theide said people who don’t have a way to order online can easily call and make an appointment. Anyone may also stop by and make an appointment.”We try to make it equitable for everybody,” said Theide.