The Green and Gold Cupboard, a new resource for members of the Arkansas Tech University community facing food insecurity, will celebrate its grand opening on Friday, Sept. 29.
The ribbon cutting and open house reception will take place from 1-3 p.m. at the Green and Gold Cupboard, which is located at 1019 N. Arkansas Ave. in Russellville. All members of the campus community are invited. Tours and refreshments will be available. Parking will be limited.
Food insecurity is defined as lacking reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. Once the cupboard officially opens on Monday, Oct. 2, any individual with a valid ATU identification card will be able to request food and hygiene products by visiting the facility 3-6 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the fall 2017 semester.
The Green and Gold Cupboard is the result of a cooperative effort between registered student organization Because We Can, Arkansas Tech University and Tyson Foods.
Tyson presented ATU with a $67,760.46 grant to begin work on a fully-equipped food pantry in 2016. ATU is making the space for the cupboard available, and Because We Can is organizing efforts to stock, maintain and staff the Green and Gold Cupboard.
During summer 2017, members of the ATU community donated 2,492 pounds of food and more than $1,000 in cash to help provide the initial inventory of items at the cupboard.
Additional contributions that have made the opening of the Green and Gold Cupboard possible include volunteer efforts by faculty, staff and students to clean, assemble shelving, paint and otherwise prepare the facility.
Volunteers, food donations and cash donations will remain welcome on an ongoing basis. Future drives will be announced on Because We Can social media platforms.
For more information about the open house or the Green and Gold Cupboard, send e-mail to jstobaugh3@atu.edu. Those wishing to make requests for assistance or seek more information may send e-mail to ggc@atu.edu.
