Hot Springs - Ted Thompson of Hot Springs managed a food pantry for two years, so he has a little experience helping the needy.

But, he is now in uncharted waters.

In March, he opened the Project Hope Food Bank, selling and storing food to and for local food pantries.

(Ted Thompson, Arkansan of the Week) “For example, if someone gets a donation of a large truck of food, most of them don't have places to store it. So, this provides a place for them to store it.”

His is the only distribution center for 50-plus miles, so it also gives pantries a chance to pick up closer to home. He sells at a discounted rate; his costs offset by donations.

In just four months, 25 agencies have signed up to buy--and Ted has sold 65,000 pounds of food out of a donated warehouse in the heart of Hot Springs.

He says the rural areas of south Arkansas are under-served because the pantries there don't have much money--and the people who need the food have a hard time getting to it.

(Thompson) “We have a truck. We aren't doing it at this point, but I would like to be able to take the truck out to a rural area of Garland County or Montgomery County or whichever county we're dealing with. Then, they could just come to us. They won't have to drive into Hot Springs.”

Ted is retired--and could be spending his days on the golf course. But he says he doesn't play very well--and in many ways, this is more rewarding.

(Thompson) “This is a very rewarding business. When you know that you're getting food out to people that need it--that means a lot. That's how we get paid. You get paid with thank-yous--and just knowing that you are making a difference in the community.”

If you'd like to nominate someone to be the Arkansan of the Week, send an e-mail to scottinman@katv.com.

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