The eagerly anticipated announcement of the 2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame class will take place on Monday, September 30, at the Ben E. Keith Food Mid-South Distribution Center in North Little Rock (1 Ben E. Keith Way).
The annual event, organized by the Heritage Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Arkansas and honors individuals and establishments that have made a lasting impact on the state’s food culture.
This year, the program will focus on an important issue: addressing hunger in Arkansas. As part of this initiative, the event will also highlight the vital work being done to combat food insecurity across the state.
A Spotlight on Hunger Relief
In line with this year’s theme, attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item as an entry fee to the event.
All donations will be given to the Arkansas Foodbank, the state’s largest hunger relief organization. The gesture underscores the importance of community involvement in tackling hunger, a growing concern in Arkansas.
Former Miss Arkansas Ebony Mitchell, now serving as the Director of External Affairs at Arkansas Foodbank, will emcee the event.
Honoring Culinary Icons
The Arkansas Food Hall of Fame is an annual tradition that recognizes those who have shaped the culinary landscape of the state. Restaurants, chefs, and food personalities who have made significant contributions to Arkansas’ food heritage will be honored during the ceremony. Over the years, the program has spotlighted numerous iconic establishments and individuals whose work has contributed to Arkansas’s unique culinary identity.
The Hall of Fame serves not only as a celebration of the past but also as inspiration for the future of Arkansas cuisine. It acknowledges the creativity and dedication of those who continue to innovate while honoring the deep-rooted traditions that have sustained the state’s food culture for generations.
A Community Effort This year’s event aims to foster a deeper connection between food and community. The call for nonperishable food donations highlights the broader role that food and hospitality play in supporting and uplifting communities, especially in times of need. By bringing attention to hunger, the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame event emphasizes the collective responsibility to ensure that all Arkansans have access to healthy, nourishing meals. Event Details
The 2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame winners will be revealed on September 30 at Ben E. Keith Food Mid-South Distribution Center in North Little Rock.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to contribute to the Arkansas Foodbank.
The event will be hosted by Ebony Mitchell, former Miss Arkansas and current director of external affairs at the Arkansas Foodbank.
This special occasion offers a chance to celebrate Arkansas’s food heritage while addressing one of the most pressing issues facing the state: hunger. Join in honoring the culinary legends of Arkansas and supporting the fight against food insecurity.
The 2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame announcement on September 30 is set to be a meaningful celebration of the state’s rich culinary heritage while addressing the critical issue of hunger. By combining the honor of recognizing culinary icons with the call to action for food donations, this year’s event underscores the vital connection between food and community. Hosted by Ebony Mitchell and held at the Ben E. Keith Food Mid-South Distribution Center, the ceremony not only celebrates the best in Arkansas cuisine but also promotes the importance of ensuring that no Arkansan goes hungry. Join in this special occasion to support both the culinary and charitable spirit of Arkansas.