Social Work Students Provide Meals for Local Elementary Students

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Phi Alpha, the national honor society for social work, hosted an “E.A.T (Everyone At the Table) Together” event at Fayetteville’s Asbell Elementary School in April in conjunction with a food drive for the Full Circle Food Pantry.

“On Monday, April 15, students from the elementary went home with a flier in their backpacks inviting them to E.A.T. dinner at their cafeteria on Thursday,” said Tina Smith, president of Phi Alpha’s Xi Epsilon chapter.

Smith said the event was a huge success. The volunteers entertained the children with face paintings, a planting activity, and fun, healthy food crafts. Brett Miller, corporate chef for Tyson Foods, and his staff served 135 meals – 20 for the volunteers from the School of Social Work and 115 for members of the community.

“We gave away an abundance of door prizes from 19 businesses and Tyson gave each child a stuffed toy,” said Smith.

The food drive brought in more than 40 cases of food donated by Campell Soup Company, including soups, salsa and other goods, for the food pantry.

“I am extremely proud of Phi Alpha’s work in the community,” said Michael Collie, clinical assistant professor of social work and Phi Alpha faculty adviser. “This event demonstrates why our Xi Epsilon chapter from the School of Social Work received the award of National Phi Alpha Chapter of the Year.”