Razorbacks Team Up to Give Back

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Lift Up America and the University of Arkansas teamed up with Tyson Foods to provide protein to Northwest Arkansas area agencies who serve people in need.  Nearly 40 student athletes from various University of Arkansas sports teams volunteered on Saturday morning to distribute the nearly 40,000 pounds of protein donated by Tyson Foods.

The food distribution was held on campus near the Jerry & Gene Jones Family Student-Athlete Success Center.  Starting at 9 a.m. the Razorback student-athletes loaded the food on vehicles from more than 60 Northwest Arkansas Food Bank agency partners.  The non-profit agencies will distribute the Tyson donated protein to thousands of hungry people throughout Northwest Arkansas.

Speakers at the press conference to launch today’s food distribution included Erica Nelson, University of Arkansas, Derek Burleson from Tyson Foods, and Kent Eikenberry, Northwest Arkansas Food Bank President and CEO.  For the past 12 years, Lift Up America has partnered with the University of Arkansas and Tyson Foods to distribute food to Northwest Arkansas area agencies who serve people in need.

“This Lift Up America and Tyson Foods food distribution event has been a proud Razorbacks tradition for more than a decade,” said Nelson. “Each year Razorback student-athletes embrace this opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”

“We are thankful for the University of Arkansas and Tyson Foods support year after year for the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank,” said Lift Up America founder Dave Hannah. He added, “The enthusiasm of University student volunteers is a powerful community service example for other young people.”

“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

“We’re proud to help the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and Lift Up America, who work on the front lines every day to end hunger,” said Matt Pakula, senior manager of corporate social responsibility at Tyson Foods. “Too many in Arkansas and across America are food insecure.  While the hunger problem is complex, the solution begins with people getting involved and creating awareness.”