Kroger Awards $5,000 Grant to Support UA Little Rock’s Trojan Food Pantry
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Trojan Food Pantry has received a $5,000 grant from Kroger to help stock its shelves, support pantry operations, and provide food assistance to students, faculty and staff.
The grant marks the beginning of a new partnership between Kroger and the Trojan Food Pantry, strengthening efforts to address food insecurity and provide essential resources to members of the campus community.
The funding will help sustain pantry operations throughout the academic year, ensuring those in need have access to food assistance.
For students balancing academics, work and other responsibilities, access to resources like the Trojan Food Pantry can help ease financial pressures and support their overall well-being.
“It may seem like a small support the pantry gives, but it does make a change in giving those that need it the assurance of having something in your pantry,” said Teresa Esparza, student success coach at UA Little Rock.
Kroger announced the grant Oct. 23 during a re-opening celebration for a renovated store in Benton, and it was one of several donations the company made that day to local organizations, including the Arkansas Foodbank and Benton Senior Center.
This is the first time Kroger has provided financial support to the Trojan Food Pantry, but both Esparza and George Brown – manager of Communications and Public Affairs for Kroger’s Delta Division – hope the partnership will continue to grow.
“One of our missions at Kroger is to Feed the Human Spirit, (and) we are so happy to support UA Little Rock and its students,” said Brown. “No student should have to worry where their next meal is coming from while also trying to further their studies, take care of their family, etc. We look forward to a long partnership.”
The partnership also highlights the importance of community organizations investing in the success and well-being of UA Little Rock students, many of whom contribute to the region through volunteer work, internships and employment.
“Students are constantly out in the community, volunteering at events, interning and working at local businesses, and giving back in the best way they can,” Esparza said. “It’s encouraging to know that the community is here to give back to them as well.”
The Trojan Food Pantry serves current UA Little Rock students, faculty and staff, providing an additional resource for those who need food assistance. The pantry operates by scheduled pickup appointments only. All orders and appointments must be arranged in advance through Trojan Engage.
Community members interested in supporting the pantry can drop off in-kind donations at the Trojan Food Pantry, located on the second floor of the Student Leadership Center. Monetary donations can also be made online through the UA Little Rock giving website.