Kevin Shalin
Kevin Shalin, renowned for The Mighty Rib blog, believes good food helps build community. “It’s a little cliché, but it’s true. I’ve seen it time and time again.” He utilizes the platform as a public service – cultivating opportunities for people to connect through meaningful dining experiences. “Mighty Rib is not a business. It has never been monetized and generates no money. It started as a passion project.” Through innovative partnerships with organizations like Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families, Kevin tackles food insecurity and other inequities throughout the state.
Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance serves as a conduit for hunger-relief organizations. Through the Mighty Rib, Kevin has organized nearly 100 food + beverage businesses and more than 40 individual patrons. Director of Development Jennifer Owens Buie elaborates, “He leverages The Mighty Rib as a philanthropic tool – offering free advertising, promotion and donor recognition to the nonprofits he supports. His social media reach provides extraordinary value and extends the visibility of organizations like ours far beyond what a traditional budget might allow.” At Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, this translates into increased fresh food distribution programs, SNAP outreach initiatives and related campaigns. “His tireless engagement with restaurants, businesses and donors raises not only essential funding but also cultivates relationships that strengthen our efforts.”
“Kevin joined the Central Arkansas Soup Sunday Committee four years ago,” Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families Development Director Fran Carter remembers. “Thanks to his outreach and reputation in the culinary community, the event diversified the restaurants and the quality of food offerings.” This year, Kevin served alongside Dr. Gene Lu as chairman with record-breaking success – an increase in proceeds of 60% over previous years. “What sets Kevin apart is his deep understanding that successful fundraising is built on relationships. He views each donor and volunteer as a valued partner, nurturing these connections in ways that strengthen the mission over time.”
Any encounter with Kevin reveals an authenticity and devotion for the Natural State. “I’ve lived in two big cities, Boston and Houston, and for its size – Little Rock is truly something special.” He believes in the power of community and recognizes that food plays an important part of our shared history, culture and future. For more than a decade, he has collaborated with proprietors to showcase truly unique offerings. “At its core, motivating people is what I do. Food is the great unifier. People who have almost nothing in common can bond over a delicious meal.”
