Chili Fights in The Heights is back with a free family event that benefits the Arkansas Foodbank. On Saturday, Feb 25, Central AR will gather to judge the best chili recipes around, plus all the good eats, games, bounce houses, face painters, and balloon art. 

• Chow down: Grab a chili tasting kit with all your favorites, plus craft beer, football, and more. 
• Give back: All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Arkansas Foodbank, an organization committed to providing dignity, hope, and a brighter future for all Arkansans. 

Follow along on socials for updates on Chili Fights in the Heights HERE! 

Little Rock's new task force aims to tackle the issue of food deserts by the end of the year, having already identified steps and a timeline to do so. 

• Gathering data: The task force is taking a data-driven approach, identifying neighborhoods that classify as food deserts and noting available citywide resources like community gardens and farmers markets. 
• Educating residents: Education will be a major component of their strategy, both to understand consumer habits and to make sure that residents know what options are available to them. 

Follow the task force HERE and join the next meeting on March 1. 

Three of Arkansas' biggest family businesses discussed the future of the state in a panel discussion with the Rotary Club of Little Rock. Steuart Walton, Annemarie Dillard Jazic and John Stephens discussed why they decided to come back to Arkansas, and the potential of the state based on their respective industries.

• Together we stand: The trio discussed the importance of investing in Arkansas, leveraging the outdoors to stimulate the economy, and strengthening relationships among the state's business community. 
• Art and Tourism: All three panelists agreed the state's potential lies in its art and tourism industry, from improving the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts to leveraging its natural beauty to attract tourists.

Learn more about the discussion HERE. 

ICYMI Arkansas Times shared their favorite dishes in Central Arkansas, and it's a list not to miss. From a cheesecake from The Pantry, to Spiced Pecans from Capital Bar and Grill, to a Legit Cheesesteak from Brood and Barley, here are just a few of the delicious bites they highlighted. 

• Sweet and savory: There were several snacks and desserts that are both well-known and hidden gems. On the sweet side there was a Cardamom Coffee Cake from Fidel & Co., a good old-fashioned glazed donut from Mark's Do-Nut Shop, and Cheesecake from the Pantry. On the savory side, there are some truffle-garlic-herb fries from Big Orange that they say are the "best fries in town".
• Everyone's favs: Some of the favorites from the list include The Garden from Jimmy’s Serious Sandwiches, the Pimento Cheeseburger from The Root Cafe, and the Fried Chicken from Samantha's. 

To learn more, check out the Arkansas Times story HERE.