The River Valley Regional Food Bank is asking for the public's help Thursday at the Mayor's 2nd Annual Community Wide Food Drive.
It's all in an effort to increase food donations during the summer months when the food bank doesn't see as many donations said Teddy Clemons, the director of the River Valley Regional Food Bank.
"This is our hardest time of year," said Clemons. "We don't get donations this time of year. They slow down. And to get nutritional food...it's very hard to come by."
The food bank sees the majority of its donations come in during the holiday season.
But right now is the time when the food bank could really use the most help feeding the community.
Isiah Thompson, a volunteer, said he really hopes the community rallies behind the food bank Thursday, and gives them the push they need right now.
"People are starving," said Thompson. "They just don't know where to get [food]. And so I'm just really excited that people will take time to reach out to the community, help people in the community and feed them."
The River Valley Regional Food Bank believes the community will support them, and donate the cans they need, according to Ken Kupchick, the Director of Marketing and Development.
"Last year we collected well over 20,000 pounds of food that day, and I think we'll double it this year," said Kupchick. "I think we'll have a truck load of food that we'll be able to put instantly in the mouths of the families in our area."
The food drive will be at the Park at West End in Fort Smith. A "Light Up Fort Smith" rally will be held at the park Thursday from 5 to 6. Several people will be speaking at the event, including Fort Smith Mayor Sandy Sanders. For more details about the rally and the food drive, visit the River Valley Regional Food Bank Facebook page.