University of Arkansas, Tyson Foods & Ambassadors of Compassion Team Up to Feed the Hungry in Northwest Arkansas
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. –- The University of Arkansas’ (U of A) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics teams up with Tyson Foods and Ambassadors of Compassion to provide food to more than 80 agencies served by the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. Student-athletes from multiple U of A sports teams will volunteer on Saturday, April 27 to load nearly 40,000 pounds of protein donated by Tyson Foods onto agency vehicles. This is the 13th annual Tyson food distribution event to feed thousands of hungry people throughout Northwest Arkansas.
The event will be held on the north end of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium at the Frank Broyles Athletic Center. A press conference will launch the event at 9 a.m. with speakers including Tyson Foods’ Corporate Social Responsibility Program Manager Pat Bourke, U of A Director of Student Athlete Development Erica Nelson, and Northwest Arkansas Food Bank President and CEO Kent Eikenberry. Starting at 9:15 a.m., Razorback student-athlete volunteers will distribute cases of donated Tyson product to Northwest Arkansas Food Bank agency partners who ensure the protein reaches those facing hunger throughout Northwest Arkansas.
“The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and Ambassadors of Compassion are important partners in the fight against hunger,” said Matt Pakula, senior manager, corporate social responsibility, Tyson Foods. “And this event wouldn’t be possible without the Razorback student-athletes who help bring awareness to food insecurity and our goal of one day ending hunger.”
“For more than a decade, the Tyson Foods distribution event has been a signature part of our community outreach efforts through our student-athlete development program, “said Trainor. “Each year Razorback student-athletes embrace this meaningful opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people in need.”
13th Annual Food Distribution Event to Feed NWA Hungry
“We are thankful for the University of Arkansas and Tyson Foods joining us to support the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank,” said Ambassadors of Compassion (AOC) founder Dave Hannah. He added, “The enthusiasm of the Razorback student-athletes is a powerful community service example for other young people, which is the focus of AOC’s mission.”
“This donation of protein is very important to the clients we serve at the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank,” said Eikenberry. “Tyson’s generous donation of poultry allows us to offer people we serve healthy and nutritious food.”
About Tyson Foods, Inc.
Tyson Foods Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, ibp® and State Fair®. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it’s available and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company had 121,000 team members at September 29, 2018. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit www.tysonfoods.com.
About Ambassadors of Compassion
The Ambassadors of Compassion (AOC) Leadership Program is an interactive journey that brings together the wisdom and expertise learned by leaders and influencers to equip youth with resiliency and the personal leadership skills to navigate and succeed through life’s inevitable challenges. It is designed to teach the critical life principles that every person should know and incorporate into their life in order to reach their full potential. Ambassadors of Compassion envisions millions of youth who are productive, self-sufficient, and compassionate citizens taking responsibility for their own lives while at the same time serving the needs of their community and world. .Visit www.aoclife.org.
About University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (Razorback Athletics)
A Division I member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the University of Arkansas’ Department of Intercollegiate Athletics annually ranks as one of the nation’s most successful athletics programs. The University of Arkansas sponsors a total of 19 varsity sport programs, including 8 men’s and 11 women’s sports. Featuring one of the most unique nicknames in intercollegiate athletics and a passionate fan following, the Arkansas Razorbacks compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Razorback Athletics annually meets the needs of more than 465 student-athletes enabling them to succeed in athletic competition, in the classroom and in the community. Razorback student-athletes volunteer more than 6,000 hours a year serving more than 100 schools, charities and non-profit organizations. Visit www.arkansasrazorbacks.com.
About Northwest Arkansas Food Bank
Northwest Arkansas Food Bank was established in 1988 by a group of concerned citizens who saw the need for hunger assistance in Northwest Arkansas. Over the past 29 years, the Food Bank has grown to serve citizens of Benton, Washington, Madison, and Carroll counties through partnerships with 160+ member agencies. Annually the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank distributes over seven million pounds of food to those in need. The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is an affiliate of Feeding America. Visit www.nwafoodbank.org.
