ᎠᏂᎦᏚᎵᏍᏗ · Anigadulisgdi · Feeding Our People
Community Food Program
Arkansas River Valley
Cherokee Pantry
Feeding hundreds of families across the Arkansas River Valley — and supplying 7 other food banks across Pope, Yell, and Newton County. Tribal members and neighbors alike. No one in our community goes hungry if we can help it.
Serving Our Community
Arkansas River Valley Cherokee Pantry
Our people have always fed their neighbors. The Arkansas River Valley Cherokee Pantry is proof that the Chickamauga Cherokee are not just a historical people — we are an active, giving force in this community right now. We don't just feed our own — we supply 7 other food banks across Pope, Yell, and Newton County, reaching families far beyond our own tribal community.
69,300
Meals Served
to the community through food pantry distribution days
248,200 lbs
Food Distributed
across ten organizations throughout six rural counties
7
Food Banks Supplied
across Pope, Yell, and Newton County — fed by the Arkansas River Valley Cherokee Pantry
30,994+
Miles Driven
to transport food to local families across the region
100%
Volunteer Organization
managed entirely by Native Americans with no paid employees
"We are not a remnant. We are not a memory. We are a living people — and we are feeding our neighbors."
ᏣᎳᎩ · Tsalagi · Chickamauga · Arkansas
500+
Families Served Monthly
2,000+
Meals Provided Monthly
12
Months a Year
100%
Community Funded
Our Mission
No Family Left Hungry
The Arkansas River Valley Cherokee Pantry was born from a simple truth our people have always known — a community that feeds together, stays together. Long before food banks existed, Cherokee people shared what they had. That spirit lives on in everything we do.
Every month, we distribute food to hundreds of families across the Arkansas River Valley — and we supply 7 other food banks across Pope, Yell, and Newton County, extending our reach far beyond our own tribal community. We serve tribal members, neighbors, elders, single parents, veterans, and anyone who walks through our door in need. We do not ask for papers. We do not turn people away.
The pantry is entirely community-supported — funded by donations, tribal fundraising, and the generosity of people who believe that food is a right, not a privilege.
2025 Annual Report
Arkansas River Valley Cherokee Pantry
2025 Impact Report
See the full scope of what our community accomplished together in 2025 — families served, pounds of food distributed, and the stories behind the numbers.
View on Ceremonies Page2025
Impact
What We Provide
Pantry Services
Monthly Food Boxes
Pre-packed boxes filled with shelf-stable staples — canned goods, grains, pasta, and more — distributed monthly to registered families in need.
Baby & Children's Essentials
Formula, baby food, diapers, and child-specific nutrition items are stocked and available for families with young children.
Fresh Produce
When available through donations and partnerships, we distribute fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement shelf-stable goods.
Mobile Outreach
We bring food directly to elders and homebound community members who cannot travel to the pantry location.
Emergency Assistance
Families facing sudden hardship — job loss, illness, disaster — can receive emergency food assistance outside of regular distribution days.
No Tribal Enrollment Required
Our pantry serves everyone in need. You do not have to be a tribal member to receive assistance. All are welcome.
Need Food Assistance?
How to Receive Help
Receiving food assistance is simple and dignified. There is no paperwork, no income verification, and no tribal enrollment required.
Come to the Pantry
Visit us at our location on the second and fourth Friday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. No appointment needed for walk-ins.
Tell Us Your Household Size
We pack food based on how many people you are feeding. That's all we need to know.
Receive Your Food
Walk out with a box of food for your family. No judgment, no barriers, no shame.
Come Back Next Month
Families are welcome to return every distribution cycle. We are here for you consistently.
Contact & Location
Mailing Address
1791 Crow Mountain Road
Russellville, AR 72802
Chief Jim Davis
Contact for pantry hours & distribution dates
Make a Difference
How You Can Help
The Arkansas River Valley Cherokee Pantry runs entirely on community support. Every contribution — big or small — feeds a family.
Donate Food
Non-perishable canned goods, dry goods, cooking oil, rice, beans, pasta, and baby items are always needed. Drop off at our location during pantry hours.
See Drop-Off LocationDonate Money
Cash donations allow us to purchase exactly what our community needs most. Every dollar goes directly to food for families.
Donate via Cash AppVolunteer
We need hands to sort, pack, and distribute food. Volunteers are the backbone of the Arkansas River Valley Cherokee Pantry. Contact us to get involved.
Contact UsMost Needed Items
These are the items our pantry needs most right now. Drop them off at our location or contact us to arrange a donation.
ᎠᏂᎦᏚᎵᏍᏗ · We Are Still Here
Food Is How We Show
We Care for Each Other
The Arkansas River Valley Cherokee Pantry is more than a food program — it is an act of sovereignty. It is our people taking care of our people, and our neighbors across Pope, Yell, and Newton County, the way we always have. Join us.