ARMA, Kan. — For the citizens of Arma, it is a bit of a trek to purchase groceries. It’s been approximately 12 years since the Arma Supermarket closed just off W. South St., making the closest grocery stop 11 miles south in Pittsburg or 10 miles west in Girard.

Since 2019, however, the Arma Nutrition Council along with dedicated volunteers have helped bridge the gap, tackling food insecurity in a “food desert,” an area that lacks access to stores.

It all began in 2018 when Arma residents gathered at the Arma City Library to partake in a series of Community Conversations, which was facilitated by Live Well Crawford County. The discussion focused on increasing access to healthy foods through nutrition projects. That then helped create the Arma Nutrition Council, a resident leadership team.

Live Well then launched the Feed Arma ioby crowdfunding campaign in 2019, which raised $9,400 in less than one month to establish the Arma Community Garden and the Arma City Library Food Pantry as well as expand the student pantry at Northeast High School. During that time, as well, the Arma City Council allowed the leadership team to use the space on the south end of Harry McDonald Sports Complex for the garden.

Since its creation, the Arma Community Garden has helped feed the community, providing all sorts of fruits and vegetables such as corn, squash, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. Volunteers take time out of their busy schedules to pick the food out of the garden before transferring it to the Arma Food Pantry, which is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Additional volunteers are needed this season for the Arma Community Garden.

According to Arma City Library Director Shelley Corley, the Arma Nutrition Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month at the Arma City Library, located at 508 E. Washington in downtown Arma. Current board members include Brad Johnson (board president), Robert Snare (vice president), Brenda Banks (treasurer), and Corley (secretary).

Corley said those looking to volunteer can email Johnson at 58bradfordj@gmail.com or call the Arma City Library at 620-347-4811, leaving their name and phone number to connect with Johnson for volunteer opportunities. Those interested are also encouraged to attend one of the council’s monthly meetings. The next is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3.

In a related activity, the Arma Nutrition Council is expected to host monthly “Yoga in the Garden” events at the garden. Those will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on July 18, Aug. 22, and Sept. 19.

This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews.