By Delaney Osbourn
FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. – According to the U of A, 38% of students on campus are considered food insecure. This is why the Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry has been fully functioning for many years, but this year marks the third-annual Pack the Pantry Food Drive event. One faculty member on campus said she benefited from the food pantry while she was finishing her undergraduate degree. “They give you a very ‘no shame system’ sort of system,” Eris said. “It’s a very welcoming atmosphere.”
“I grew up having to utilize food pantries with my family and so being able to be on the other side of it is super, super cool,” food drive coordinator for the Volunteer Action Center Kolten Long said. “It provides us with a lot of stuff to get us and get us a little bit into next semester until we do more drives.” This event is the largest food drive of the year. The items that are needed are beans, pasta, canned fruit, and hygiene items. They will be taking donations until this Friday.