U of A Full Circle Campus Food Pantry Wins National Volunteer Service Award

The University of Arkansas received an award from the Points of Light organization in recognition of work done by the Full Circle Campus Food Pantry.

The student-run emergency food assistance program was established in February 2011 through the Volunteer Action Center at the U of A. The program distributes food and personal products to all members of the University of Arkansas community in need.

“The pantry is honored to receive this recognition and we couldn’t have accomplished any of this without our amazing volunteers and donors,” said, Rachael Pellegrino, chair of the Full Circle Campus Food Pantry. “This award will not only shine some light on the food justice programs and the strong community at the University of Arkansas, but also on the larger issue of food insecurity on college campuses.”

Student volunteers take weekly food requests, fill bags, and serve more than 200 students, staff and their families.  The student volunteers also fundraise, take donations and meet with funders on an ongoing basis to ensure the continued success and stability of the pantry.  This year alone, they have received more than $50,000 and more than 37,000 pounds of food for the pantry.

The food pantry was recognized by Points of Light as the “Daily Point of Light” Dec. 16. Points of Light was founded in 1990 as an international nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to solving serious social problems through voluntary service. President George H.W. Bush created the Daily Point of Light award in 1989 to recognize ordinary Americans from all walks of life taking direct and consequential voluntary action in their communities.

“The Points of Light Daily Award is a wonderful recognition for our students who continue to do great work meeting the needs of students and staff who are hungry,” Angela Oxford, director of the Center for Community Engagement said. “It places them beside other civic leaders from around the country who are doing their part to be what President Bush called the ‘thousand points of light.’ They inspire other students to find ways to serve those in our community who are in need, I’m very proud of them.”

“We have two ways that students can get involved with volunteering at the pantry and really play an active role in strengthening the university community. We have volunteers who commit to two hours each week for a semester. These weekly volunteers help run the pantry by filling orders, sorting donations and portioning food,” Pellegrino said. “Another way to get involved is through the extra hands list, which the pantry uses when we need extra help for an event.”

During finals week the Full Circle Campus Food Pantry is currently open Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..

You can apply for assistance in person during open hours or select the “Request Food” tab on the Full Circle website and follow the instructions for online submission. You can volunteer by contacting the pantry through 479-575-7693 or by email pantry@uark.edu.