SGA’s Food for Fines program saw a slight increase in participation compared to last year, with seven participants.

Student Government Association and UCA Police Department partner together to host Food for Fines which allows students to donate nonperishable food items and hygiene products to Bear Essentials food pantry to waive up to two $10 and $15 dollar tickets. SGA had a table set up in front of the Ronnie Williams Student Center on March 15 from 12-3 p.m. to collect donations. 

Junior representative and Chair of the Safety and Wellness committee Mckenzi Bogan said that SGA and their committee like to host this event because it allows them to help students in two capacities.

“First, by allowing students to pay off their fines, and second by being able to take those food donations and give them back to students in need,” Bogan said.

Bogan said seven students donated. The main items donated were tuna and cereal. 

Four tuna pouches were equivalent to a $10 dollar ticket, while three cereal boxes were equivalent to a $15 dollar ticket. 

“Last year we only had 3 people donate, so there was an increase in response this semester,” Bogan said.

Sergeant Michael Hopper said in 2022 “we have issued approximately 4,000 UCA citations,” compared to only three participants.

In 2021, “only 8 people participated,” he said. “I hope that number is higher this year.”

For more information about the Bear Essentials Pantry, visit its Facebook page “Bear Essentials Food Pantry,” or its Instagram @bearessentialsfoodpantry.