The Arkansas Food Bank set up outside the Ronnie Williams Student Center on Thursday, Sept. 11, to raise awareness about food insecurity and to share resources available to students. 

1 in 5 Arkansans face hunger. 

Representatives Lucy Lugo and Kate Jenkins were present at the table, handing out flyers, stickers, buttons, cups and business cards to students walking by. 

The event aimed to start conversations around hunger on campus and encourage students to take advantage of free resources.

Lugo shared what she hoped students would gain from the event.

“I hope students are made aware of the resources available to them, they’re free,” Lugo said. “I also hope we are actually pointing them to the Bear Essentials Food Pantry on campus. So we want them to know that they have things that are very close to them, things that they can get for free to just help them throughout their college journey.”

The Bear Essentials Food Pantry is located on the UCA campus at the Physical Plant room 40 and offers free food, toiletries and other basic supplies for students in need. 

According to its website, “Any UCA employee or student may come to the Food Pantry for their household needs. Please bring your UCA ID.”

Lugo emphasized that the event was about more than giveaways, it was about connecting students with real support.

Jenkins, who also spoke at the event, echoed Lugo’s thoughts and added a lighthearted but meaningful message.

“We hope that they get free stuff,” Jenkins said. “We also hope that they have a new understanding of the Arkansas Food Bank and a new understanding of helping each other in the fight against hunger.”

Throughout the afternoon, students stopped by the table to pick up items, ask questions and learn more about the resources available both on campus and through the Arkansas Food Bank.