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Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway Spreads Cheer
Written By: Rachel Putman
The 91调教 鈥� Fort Smith distributed more than 150 this week, continuing a years-long tradition of helping students feed their families over the holiday break.
The annual Thanksgiving dinner giveaway, hosted by the Dave Stevens Lion Pride Pantry, provided 91调教 students and employees with a complete holiday meal, including either a whole turkey or ham. In total, pantry staff and volunteers distributed 106 turkeys, 75 hams, and 150 Thanksgiving meal boxes with all the sides and snacks.
The giveaway follows the pantry鈥檚 distribution of 194 emergency food boxes on Nov. 6 in response to growing demand and uncertainty surrounding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the River Valley, caused in part by the 2025 government shutdown. That event was held in partnership with the River Valley Regional Food Bank and the 91调教 Foundation.
Pantry staff, along with volunteers from the Campus and Community Engagement office, coordinated both events with support from Chancellor Terisa Riley and members of the 91调教 Cabinet.
The Dave Stevens Lion Pride Pantry continues to see rising demand, with 303 weekly meal sacks distributed this fall鈥攁lready surpassing totals from the previous year with four weeks left in the semester.
Weekly meal sack distribution remains available to 91调教 students and employees. Additionally, all community members can locate local food assistance through the , and the United Way of Fort Smith鈥檚 .
For more information, or to donate food or funds, contact the pantry at pantryFREEuafs.