UA Little Rock, City of Little Rock partner with University District Group to Expand Food Access
In Little Rock, efforts to eliminate food deserts are gaining momentum — with city leaders pointing to partnerships with institutions like the University of Arkansas at Little Rock as a key part of that progress.
Launched this week, a new mobile food market created through a partnership between the City of Little Rock, UA Little Rock, and the University District Development Corporation is bringing fresh, affordable groceries to neighborhoods where access has long been limited.
“UA Little Rock continues to step up for the neighborhoods,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr.. “This is just a step in the transformation. We have a journey, but you have to start before you get there.”
The initiative reflects a coordinated push to address food insecurity, and underscores UA Little Rock’s role as a leader in that work.
The City of Little Rock committed $850,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act to support the effort, working alongside UA Little Rock and community partners to move the project forward. The University District Development Corporation is leading implementation, operating the mobile market and coordinating outreach in neighborhoods it serves.
“This initiative reflects years of relationship-building and shared commitment,” said Barrett Allen, director of the University District Partnership. “By working together, we can bring resources directly to neighborhoods in ways that are practical and sustainable.”
For UA Little Rock, the partnership is part of a broader approach to community engagement — and reflects its mission to serve as a leader in the community by actively partnering to solve real challenges facing the city.
“This is what strong partnerships look like,” said Christina S. Drale. “When we align our efforts with the city and community organizations, we can create solutions that directly improve quality of life for our neighbors.”
Additional supporters, including Edwards Food Giant, the Little Rock School District, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, the Arkansas Community Foundation, and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, have helped expand the initiative’s reach and support its long-term sustainability.
Together, those partners are working to bring resources directly to the neighborhoods that need them the most by removing barriers that prevent residents from accessing fresh produce, dairy, meats, and other essential groceries.As the mobile market begins serving communities across Little Rock, the city and UA Little Rock will continue working together to expand access to fresh food and support neighborhoods across the city. To learn more about the Mobile Market, visit uddclittlerock.org.