Friday morning Dave Stevens, dean of students, pushed a cart filled to the brim with canned and boxed foods down a concrete pathway toward the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Recreation and Wellness Center. Peanut butter, canned soups, granola bars, and Cup O'Noodles overflowed the rails of the cart, ready to meet the needs of students.
The large wooden cabinet named the Lion Pride Pantry stands alone in the greenway between the UAFS Recreation and Wellness Center and the Old Gym along Kinkead Avenue, allowing students to grab a bite to eat at any time. In a packed lobby, dozens of supporters of the pantry applauded as representatives from the Student Government Association, university administration and student support staff cut a ribbon officially signifying the pantry’s opening.
Jordan Dart, president of the Student Government Association, spoke to the crowd, explaining the inception of the idea. “As members of SGA, we’re constantly trying to find ways to make our students’ experience better, to make campus better and to have creative ideas,” she said. “So I’m really happy to be a part of this and thankful to the SGA who came before me who worked really hard on this idea and approved the funds to make this food pantry box possible.”
“A granola bar or a box of ramen noodles can really make a difference to a student who might be struggling or have food insecurity,” Dart added, “And my hope is that, with this pantry, we can test the waters and see if this is something that students can really benefit from and something that we could continue or grow in the future.”
“We take pride in all students, and we want every single student to feel valued, respected, welcomed and cared for,” explained Dr. Terisa Riley, UAFS chancellor, who cited national statistics that estimate 20 percent of college students will face food insecurity in a given year.
