Wendy Holbook has been recognized by the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance as their 2025 Star Collaborator Award Recipient.

“This award honors an individual who exemplifies partnership, compassion and leadership in addressing food insecurity across Arkansas,” according to UCA News. “Holbrook has been a consistent champion for ensuring students’ basic needs are met, fostering cross-campus collaboration and helping shape supportive, welcoming food pantry environments.”

Holbrook has served as the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs since 2018. 

“I have been part of the University of Central Arkansas community for 27 years and have held several roles during that time,” Holbrook said. “This long-term perspective has allowed me to see how student needs have evolved and how essential support services have become to student success.”

Food insecurity is an issue that persists in Arkansas, with the state ranking the highest in the nation.

“National research shows between 30 and 40 percent of college students experience food insecurity at some point during their academic career,” Holbrook said. 

Along with her role as assistant vice president, Holbrook also makes sure that the Bear Essentials Food Pantry runs smoothly.

“Holbrook has participated in panels and presentations at the College Hunger Summit for the past two years, and UCA’s Bear Essentials Food Pantry has participated in the Nutrition Pantry Program, working toward goals that center around neighbors, trauma-informed care and healthy food prioritization,” according to UCA News.

“The Bear Essentials Food Pantry exists to support the UCA community by providing supplemental food to students, faculty, and staff who are experiencing food insecurity,” Holbrook said. “In September, October, and November, the pantry served more than 500 unique individuals each month.”

Holbrook said that there are many ways that people can contribute to the Bear Essentials Food Pantry if they want to. 

“Individuals can volunteer their time in the pantry  by assisting with shopper check-in and stocking shelves. Donations of shelf-stable food items are always welcome and help keep our shelves stocked,” Holbrook said.”

Throughout her time working the UCA community has helped Holbrook tremendously by being generous and supportive, according to Holbrook.

“The Staff Senate and the Student Government Association host multiple events each year that raise funds and collect food donations,” Holbrook said. “Many registered student organizations, particularly our Greek organizations, host food drives that contribute hundreds of pounds of food and hygiene items each semester.”

“Aramark has been a consistent and valued partner, donating cereal, bread  and eggs on a weekly basis. In addition, we receive a variety of food items three times a week from Aldi, our retail partner,” Holbrook said. “Several faculty and staff members also support the pantry through monthly payroll deductions, which help sustain our annual budget. We are deeply grateful for the collective generosity that makes this work possible.”

The Bear Essentials Food Pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the Bear Essentials Food pantry look at their website here.