Food Brings Us Together: Your Northwest Arkansas Local Food Access Guide
From the Ozark hills to our downtown farmers markets, Northwest Arkansas is home to a vibrant community of growers, producers, and neighbors who care deeply about making fresh, local food accessible to everyone. Here, food doesn't just nourish—it brings us together.
That's exactly why we created the Northwest Arkansas Local Food Access Guide.
A Directory That Connects You to Local Farms
This isn't just another list of food programs. The Local Food Access Guide is specifically designed to connect you to food assistance programs that source from local farms throughout our region. Whether you're new to the area, navigating a tough time, or just looking to learn more about local food options, this guide is here for you.
Inside, you'll find information on programs that will not only nourish you and your family, but also support the local farmers and food producers who help our region thrive:
Farmers Markets That Welcome Everyone: Detailed information about markets throughout Benton, Washington, Carroll, and Madison counties that accept SNAP benefits, WIC vouchers, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits—connecting you directly with local growers.
Double Your Dollars Program: Learn how this transformative program doubles your SNAP benefits and nutrition program vouchers when you shop at participating farmers markets, making fresh local food not just accessible, but affordable.
Food Pantries with Local Produce: Discover pantries throughout the NWA Food Bank network that feature fresh produce from local farms like Cobblestone Farms, ensuring emergency food assistance includes nutritious, locally-grown options.
Community Resources Growing Local Food: From Samaritan Community Center's onsite farm to The Treehouse Pantry's garden, find organizations that grow fresh produce right in their communities for families in need.
Cooking Classes with Local Ingredients: Programs like Pantry to Plate teach cooking skills and nutrition concepts using ingredients from local farms and Spring Creek Food Hub, helping you make the most of local food resources.
24/7 Fresh Produce Access: Seeds That Feed's Friendly Fridges provide around-the-clock access to rescued local produce from Northwest Arkansas farms—fresh food available whenever you need it.
Programs That Connect You to Local Farms
SNAP at Farmers Markets: Use your benefits to purchase fresh produce directly from local growers at participating farmers markets throughout the region.
WIC & Senior Nutrition Programs: Pregnant women, families with children under 5, and seniors over 60 receive $50 in vouchers specifically for fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms at participating markets.
Double Your Dollars: When you use SNAP benefits or nutrition program vouchers at participating farmers markets, this program doubles your purchasing power—your $10 becomes $20, your $20 becomes $40 for local produce.
Healthy Recipes: Kid-friendly, veggie-centered recipes from Apple Seeds Teaching Farm help you make the most of local ingredients with your family.
Building Community Through Food Access
Our goal is simple: to make it easier for you and your family to connect with fresh, nutritious food and the amazing local organizations that provide it. This guide exists through partnerships with organizations throughout Northwest Arkansas who share our vision:
The Arkansas Department of Human Services and local County Health Units administer nutrition assistance programs, while the NWA Food Bank connects communities with food resources including local produce. UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation supports the Double Your Dollars program, and community organizations like Seeds That Feed, Samaritan Community Center, and The Treehouse Pantry provide innovative local food access programs.
Each farmer at our markets, each volunteer at our food pantries, and each family using these programs is part of building a healthier and more connected Northwest Arkansas.
Your Local Food Journey Starts Here
Whether you're discovering that your SNAP benefits work at farmers markets, learning about nutrition programs that provide vouchers for local produce, or finding community resources that grow fresh food right in their neighborhoods, this guide meets you where you are.
From the hills of the Ozarks to the heart of our communities, Northwest Arkansas has built something special—a food system where local farms and food assistance programs work together to ensure everyone has access to fresh, healthy food.
Together, we can build a healthier and more connected Northwest Arkansas, one meal at a time.
Special thanks to our sponsor Banco Si for supporting this vital community resource.
Ready to connect with fresh, local food through programs designed for families like yours? Download the complete Local Food Access Guide and discover how food assistance programs throughout Northwest Arkansas connect you directly with local farms and fresh produce.
