FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KTFA) — The Dave Stevens Lion Pride Pantry, the River Valley Regional Food Bank and the UAFS Foundation came together Thursday to give out 194 food boxes to UAFS students and employees.

According to a news release from the university, the food drive was in response to community-wide uncertainty around Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which has caused increased need. • Courtesy of UA-Fort Smith • Courtesy of UA-Fort Smith

All boxes included frozen ground beef and nonperishable food items, according to the release. Students and employees were able to register in advance to get a ticket for the food drive.

The pantry has seen an 18% increase in attendance since fall of 2024 and current numbers are greater than previous semester totals,

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