LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Mike Beebe plans to deliver the keynote address at the Arkansas Hunger Conference this week at Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock.
The two-day conference, which begins Thursday, will bring together government agencies, nonprofit groups and individuals to share strategies and resources in the fight to end hunger in the state. The event coincides with Arkansas Rice Depot's 25th anniversary.
Beebe will speak at a dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday.
"All across the state there are thousands of people who go hungry," said Laura Rhea, president and chief executive officerof the Arkansas Rice Depot.
"Many individuals, churches and agencies are trying to help. The problem has always been that we don't always know what others are doing. If we can share what we are doing together, we really can end hunger in this state," she said.
The conference includes six workshops and three panel discussions on government food programs and regional and statewide food banks, as well as church anti-hunger efforts.
The event also will feature a new Sunday School and Vacation Bible School curriculum about hunger in Arkansas, a statewide hunger agencies directory and educational exhibits.
Bill Ludwig, southwest regional administrator of U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, will be among the panelists speaking about "The Role of Government in Feeding Hungry Citizens."
Second Presbyterian Church is at 600 Pleasant Valley Drive in Little Rock.
Registration is free for foodpantry or soup-kitchen volunteers. For other participants registration costs $30 and covers the entire event. Participants can register by calling the Arkansas Rice Depot at (501) 565-8855 or e-mailing endhunger@ricedepot.org.
Arkansas, Pages 14 on 10/24/2007