Walt Beazley

Community To Benefit From 18-Ton Food Donation

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Lift Up America and the University of Arkansas teamed up with Tyson Foods Saturday to help those in need acquire one of the most sought after, but least available item at food banks: Poultry and other similar, high protein-rich foods.

With its generous donation of about 40,000 pounds of protein that will be distributed by the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to more than 60 of its partner agencies, Tyson Foods has helped alleviate the protein shortfall and along with its partners helped raise awareness to hunger issues in the region.

“Many people don’t realize hunger is an issue in every single community,” said Tyson Foods Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs Sara Lilygren. “We’re proud to once again partner with Lift Up America and the University of Arkansas to help raise awareness about the seriousness of this issue in Northwest Arkansas.”

Charles Small, Razorback Athletics’ director of student-athlete development, hosted the event on behalf of the University of Arkansas. He was joined by representatives from Tyson Foods, Lift Up America, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and more than 40 Razorback student-athletes who were on-hand to help unload the donated food at Frank Broyles Athletic Center.

“We are proud to once again team with Tyson Foods, Lift Up America, and the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank to help feed those in need and raise awareness of hunger issues in our region,” Small said. “Lift Up America continues to be a signature partner with our student-athlete success program, and this event is another significant example of how Razorback student-athletes are continuing to embrace the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.”

This is the 10th consecutive year student-athletes have assisted donation efforts. The 40,000 pounds of food took 44 minutes to unload, and will feed more than 160,000 people.

“Northwest Arkansas has been amazing to the Razorbacks and Razorback Athletics,” senior women’s tennis player Nicole Breaux said. “It is such a great opportunity to be able to help in return.”

Junior men’s tennis player Austin Robles agreed.

“It is a great feeling to know we were able to impact so many people’s lives in a positive way,” said Robles.