StarKist, Feed the Children, and Feed 479 Join Forces to Aid 400 Families in Arkansas
Uniting for Community Support in Northwest Arkansas
As summer reaches its peak and schools close their cafeterias, many families struggle to maintain adequate meal planning. Recognizing this pressing need, StarKist®, Feed the Children, and Feed 479 came together on June 27, 2025, to host the Summer Food and Resource Rally in Rogers, Arkansas. This impactful event provided vital food supplies and household items to 400 families throughout the region, showcasing the strength of community collaboration.
Held at Cross Church in Rogers, the rally attracted numerous local supporters, including Walmart associates, Advantage Solutions, and Flywheel. Together, they demonstrated that collective efforts can lead to profound changes in the lives of those facing food insecurity during the summer months.
Meeting the Challenge of Summer Food Insecurity
The initiative stems from the understanding that food insecurity intensifies in the summer when children's nutritional needs remain high, but access to school meal programs is lost. Edward Min, President and CEO of StarKist, emphasized the responsibility of businesses to contribute positively to their communities. He stated, "StarKist is a socially responsible company that empowers people to live a healthy lifestyle by providing convenient, nutritious protein products. We are grateful for the opportunity to get our StarKist products into the hands of those who need them most."
During the event, volunteers, including StarKist team members and community advocates, distributed comprehensive family kits. These kits contained essential items, such as StarKist protein products, a 25-pound box of shelf-stable food, and a 15-pound box of hygiene essentials, aimed at alleviating summer-related hardships.
Community Testimonials and Impact
Dennis Smiley, Director of Feed 479, noted the growing need during summer months at their pantry. He expressed excitement about collaborating with StarKist and Feed the Children, which helped provide relief to families relying on food assistance. "Events like this provide a little extra blessing for these families during these summer months," Smiley shared.
Feed the Children's Emily Callahan reinforced the rally's mission, highlighting the organization’s commitment to tackling childhood hunger. She shared, "Through the power of partnership, we can make a greater impact as we seek to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry."
A Legacy of Service and Support
This resource rally follows other successful outreach events, including a similar initiative earlier in the month in Reston, Virginia, where StarKist is headquartered. As the summer progresses, plans are in place for additional collaborative events this holiday season, emphasizing ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity.
StarKist’s commitment to fighting hunger spans over 16 years, with the company donating more than 1.2 million pounds of nutritious food to communities in need. This sums up to nearly $4.9 million in product donations, alongside about $985,000 in financial support directed towards combating hunger across the United States.
Through partnerships with organizations like Feed the Children, StarKist has facilitated over 20 resource rallies nationwide, responding to disaster relief efforts and emerging emergencies. The legacy of service dates back to 1917, demonstrating the brand's enduring dedication to feeding the nation's vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
Events such as the Summer Food and Resource Rally not only showcase the power of community collaboration but also highlight how organizations can unite for a common goal – fighting food insecurity. StarKist, Feed the Children, and Feed 479 continue to work together with a shared vision, proving that when we pool our resources and efforts, we make lasting changes that support families in need. The rally exemplifies hope, support, and the positive impact of collective action in Northwest Arkansas and beyond.