CALS has already leveraged branch locations and library resources for daily meal distribution throughout Little Rock. Utilizing branch and staff expertise, this new program seeks to help connect families, as opposed to just children, with sustainable government and community resources that emphasize food security and choice. Applying for SNAP benefits in Arkansas is a difficult process and requirements for eligibility can necessitate assistance for enrollment.

CALS partnered with the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance to provide SNAP training for our staff. During the training, navigators became familiar with the SNAP application process. The Hunger Relief Alliance has a SNAP hotline which we use as a referral service on our food insecurity screening. Now, CALS’s trained SNAP navigators can provide one on one application assistance at library branches. Community members eligible for SNAP benefits will be enrolled and connected with additional food and health resources.

CALS’s SNAP navigators have assisted patrons with submitting their applications. CALS works with Little Rock Parks and Recreation, who also offer this service, to track the number of people utilizing services from SNAP navigators at community centers and libraries. We will also track the number of applications submitted and the number of patrons who receive benefits. We also track the number of people screened for food insecurity and the number of people referred to additional services.