To assist those in need, non-perishable food items are available in Union Station at the heart of the U of A.

Food is stored in a cabinet on the south side of the facility that serves as Razorback Transit's major hub on campus, and the intention is for food to be available there 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The cabinet was made possible as a part of a coordinated effort between the Jane B. Gearheart Full Circle Food Pantry, the Volunteer Action Center, Associated Student Government, and Transit and Parking.

It enables those who need food to get some help at any time.

VAC President Elizabeth Loudermilk and ASG President Coleman Warren both spoke of how food insecurity affects a notable percentage of people in Northwest Arkansas, including individuals within the U of A family.

The portable food pantry was set up in Union Station to help — not just those affiliated with the university — but anyone in need.

"This project is helpful," Warren said, "because it extends the reach of the Full Circle Food Pantry."

Loudermilk said it is good when the university can find ways to give back to Fayetteville and the Northwest Arkansas area.

"The goal of the Union Station food pantry," she said, "is to allow the University of Arkansas to continue to be a resource for the community."

Warren said the effort will provide 24-hour access to those on campus and to others in Northwest Arkansas.

"We hope that this food pantry is symbolic of the important relationship between our campus and the entire Northwest Arkansas community," he said.

The Full Circle Food Pantry will remain the first option on campus as a resource for those who need assistance. It is open to those with a university ID during certain hours each week (Mondays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m.; and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

Anyone on campus who wants to place nonperishable items in the food pantry cabinet in Union Station may do so. Those who donate are asked to make sure that all items are unopened and have good expiration dates.