JONESBORO, Ark. – Arkansas State University’s 2026 homecoming celebration has brought a charitable focus to campus with its annual food drive, titled “Into the Tidal Wave.” The initiative encourages students, faculty, and staff to donate non-perishable food items in exchange for themed homecoming t-shirts.
Amber Yates, assistant director of Leadership Programs at A-State, explained that the food drive is now a cherished tradition, providing critical supplies for the university's food pantry. “It’s just a great way for students to support other students and our A-State community,” Yates said Tuesday.
The pantry, which also stocks hygiene products, is available to anyone with a valid A-State ID, including students, faculty, and staff. Yates noted that access does not depend on income qualifications.
Participation in the event has exceeded expectations, Yates said. “We have many boxes that were once filled with the homecoming t-shirts that are now filled with food,” she explained. “And we’ve already started conversations about how we’re going to get it to the food pantry. So, that’s always a great problem to have.”
Donations from the campaign will be used to replenish the pantry’s inventory, ensuring community members have access to the resources they need during the academic year.