PACKING UP FOR KIDS: The Arkadelphia Police Department take part in a packing event ensuring students in need go home with food. | Submitted photo
A project that was launched in spring 2024 is now in its second season and has helped to feed hundreds of students in the Arkadelphia Public School system.
In a nutshell, The Acorn Project raises funds that are funneled directly to the school district’s backpack program, which sends food home with children in need during weekends and seasonal breaks from school. Patterson Federal Credit Union provided the project’s original backing of $10,000; since then The Acorn Project has raised more than $8,600 from personal and business sponsorships and received a $1,200 grant.
“We started this foundation because strong communities don’t just happen — they’re built by people who care and people who invest in one another,” said Patterson CEO Shawn Cowart. “We created something that allows us to give back in a meaningful, lasting way.”
About 225-250 bags of food, each costing $3 apiece, go home with students each week. It costs about $700 per week (or over $25,000 per year) to operate the program.
Once the food is bought, various local organizations participate in packing parties, where typically 500 food bags are packed at a time. Groups that have partnered with The Acorn Project during the previous school year to pack bags include church youth programs, the Rotary service club, youth sports teams, a local insurance agency’s employees and board, Patterson’s staff, and high school leadership programs. So far for the 2025-2026 school year, the Arkadelphia Police Department and Ouachita Baptist University Cheer team have packed bags. A local church group and homeschooling group are scheduled to pack this fall.
“The Acorn Project has been a game changer for our students, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals which has positively impacted their focus and overall well-being,” said De’Shae Craig, counselor at Peake Elementary School. “It’s truly made a difference in their lives.”
In early August, The Acorn Project started a fundraising drive with a goal of 300 people committing to donate a recurring $12 per month to help fund the program, and has reached 30% of its goal.
“Thanks to The Acorn Project, every child in need of supplemental food is ensured nutritious food for the weekend,” said Arkadelphia High School counselor Elizabeth Morris, “and no school counselor faces the responsibility of sourcing, packing or distributing food alone.”
CLICK HERE to make a one-time or recurring donation to help fund The Acorn Project.