Fayetteville Public Library / Courtesy

Fayetteville Public Library will begin providing free meals to the community on Fridays beginning May 1.

The library has partnered with an organization called The Pack Shack to provide 1,000 meals of uncooked cheesy rice and vegetables and cooking instructions for free every Friday from 11 a.m. until noon.

The packets will make eight one-cup servings each once they are prepared.

According to library officials, the meals were prepared by The Pack Shack volunteers “while practicing recommended safety protocol, such as wearing protective masks, gloves and hair nets.”

“Though our building may be closed, we are still searching for ways to take care of our community,” said David Johnson, library executive director. “Along with our virtual resources and new curbside pickup for library items, this is another service that we’re incredibly proud of.”

Community members interested in picking up meals should park in the library’s loading zone on Mountain Street anytime between 11 a.m. and noon on Fridays, and call 479-856-7000 to request curbside delivery.