The Green and Gold Cupboard Ribbon Cutting was held April 16th in the Allied Health Building at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus.
The purpose of the Green and Gold Cupboard is to provide the Tech family with goods needed for their household, free of charge. Students, faculty, and staff members are welcomed to use the cupboard.
The concept of the Green and Gold Cupboard started five years ago by Dr. Huss of ATU’s Russellville campus. As a member of Leadership Tech, he partnered with Dr. Smith and his fellow team members including Angela Crow and David Spicer, the Public Safety Officer at ATU-Ozark.
Over the last five months, the cupboard has been stocked with various canned goods donated by faculty, staff, and students.
Tyson Foods has been a vital component in the development of the Green and Gold Cupboard.
Shelving, storage tubs, trashcans, and scales were some items provided by the grant Tyson supplied as part of the campus effort.
Pat Bourke, a representative from Tyson Foods, spoke at the ceremony.
“I learned early on that that there is a common denominator that makes these programs work, and that common thread whether it be here at the Ozark campus or the Russellville campus are volunteers. I’m here to do today on behalf of Tyson Foods today to thank our volunteers. So whether you’re just finishing up a shift at the pantry or you’re in the middle of a food recovery effort, other countless tasks need to be done, at the end of the day I hope our volunteers understand, without you the Green and Gold Cupboard could not happen.”
In addition, Eddie Lee Herndon, of United Way Fort Smith, announced that United Way Fort Smith would partner with ATU-Ozark in May as part of their yearly non-perishable food drive. All food items collected by United Way will be directly donated to the Green and Gold Cupboard.
Dr. Smith spoke of her excitement for the Green and Gold Cupboard as well.
“We are here for each other. It was an easy decision to place the Green and Gold Cupboard on our Ozark campus.”
David Spicer is excited to continue the work of the Green and Gold Cupboard with the help of faculty, staff and students at the ATU-Ozark.
The members of the Green and Gold Cupboard Committee for the Ozark campus are David Spicer, Chris Rambo, Beverly Nehus, Brianna Ingram, and students Allyson Walker and Stephanie Chandler.
He explained, “The Green and Gold Cupboard at Arkansas Tech University’s main objective is to ensure that every member of the Tech family is provided with the resources necessary to ensure that their nutritional needs are met.”
For more information, please contact David Spicer at (479) 667-2117.
