The Bear Essentials Food Pantry collected donations for the Stock the Den food drive March 7-18.

With all of the donations, Stock the Den contributed 228 lbs of food to the Bear Essentials Food Pantry.

The drive began after Ethan Baldridge, a dietitian on campus, was approached about doing a food drive for National Nutrition Month.

Graduate student and dietetic intern Haley Donoway coordinated the event.

Donoway was interning with Baldridge at the time and was immediately on board with the idea.

“We thought it would be fantastic to team up and give back to faculty and students on campus,” Donoway said.

Individuals in the Nutrition and Family Sciences Department, UCA Dining and the HPER Center supported the drive.

Donation boxes were made by wellness intern Kaitlyn Shea, volunteer Andie Montgomery, Baldridge and Donoway.

Shea created a graphic for the event and assisted in promotion while Baldridge and Donoway were the main organizers.

Donation boxes were placed in the Torreyson Library, Christian Cafeteria, HPER Center and the Nutrition and Family Sciences Department office.

“We’re not sure if an event like this has been done in the past, but we have greatly enjoyed organizing with the Bear Essentials Food Pantry and are hoping to make an impact on campus,” Donoway said.

The goal of the Stock the Den food drive was to collectively contribute donations while increasing awareness for the Bear Essentials Food Pantry on campus.

Earlier this month, the Bear Essentials Food Pantry Fund received $4,872 from UCA’s Day of Giving.

Located behind the UCA Physical Plant, the Bear Essentials Food Pantry is an on-campus food pantry that serves students, staff and faculty.

The pantry is free to anyone in need with a UCA ID.

The Bear Essentials Food Pantry is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m to 5 p.m and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.