LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — You may not have heard of the Trojan Food Pantry, but on the campus of UA Little Rock, it’s been an enormous blessing to students and faculty alike.
"There are a lot of people in general that don't know where their next meal is coming from,” said junior Taylor Ward, the pantry’s coordinator.
That reality is something all too common- food insecurity dominating people’s lives, especially on college campuses where money can be hard to come by for so many.
That's why staff member Corrigan Revels said the pantry is so important—no student or faculty member should be unable to focus in the classroom because they haven’t eaten.
"We serve over 1000 individuals per year,” Revels said. “Faculty and students combined.”
But the pantry doesn’t work without help in the form of donations.
That's why, on Friday, volunteers say in the lobby in front of the Trojan Café, the school's cafeteria, to collect those donations that can mean so much.
"We are over the campus campaign, which is our employee giving program," said Laterika Tooks, who helped organize the effort. "We have partnered with the staff senate on campus to collect canned goods for our Trojan Food Pantry."
And the food pantry isn’t the only food-related effort happening on campus at the moment.
Friday’s event was also a kickoff for the Helping Hands food drive.
It lasts throughout November and provides staff and their families with Thanksgiving food, just in time for the holiday.
"The families on campus, faculty and staff can apply for those baskets," Tooks said. "$25 will feed one family."
For Ward, who spends much of her time checking and filling orders for those in need, it’s all about ensuring people know there’s help out there.
"I've just been trying to get the word out there to some people on campus,” Ward said. “Especially students because they don’t know of this as well. So, I like to notify and help people, and many appreciate that.
Those wanting to help can call the food pantry at (501) 916-6000 or email them at pantry@ualr.edu.
Revels said they prefer direct donations of canned goods, but monetary contributions also help.
More information, such as volunteer opportunities, can be found here.