SAU’s Kathy Gean takes food insecurity solutions to the national stage at 45th Annual First-Year Experience Conference
MAGNOLIA, AR (06/15/2026) Southern Arkansas University’s Kathy Gean, director of Service Learning and SAU+VISTA, represented SAU on a national stage this spring, presenting at the 45th Annual First-Year Experience Conference in Seattle, WA. Her presentation, “Hunger on College Campuses and Garden-to-Market Solutions,” showcased SAU’s innovative, data-driven approach to addressing food insecurity among college students and highlighted the University’s growing reputation as a model for student support and community engagement.
The First-Year Experience Conference provides an ongoing forum for higher education professionals to share experiences, concerns, and accomplishments related to supporting student learning, development, and success during the critical first college year. Gean’s presentation brought national attention to a challenge that hits especially close to home in Arkansas.
Arkansas ranks highest in the nation for food insecurity, with more than 567,000 people facing hunger statewide. Nationally, 23% of college students experience food insecurity, but in Arkansas that number climbs to more than 30%. At SAU, the challenge is compounded by the fact that 25 to 30% of incoming freshmen do not have personal transportation, further limiting their access to food resources and increasing their vulnerability during that critical first year.
Rather than waiting for the problem to grow, SAU took action. Under Gean’s leadership, the University has built a comprehensive, community-supported network of food resources that has made a measurable difference in students’ lives. From 2023 to 2026, the program served 2,447 students, fulfilled 9,070 total orders, and distributed more than 21,000 pounds of product including canned goods, school supplies, hygiene items, and freshly made frozen meals. Among those, 7,906 frozen meals were made and distributed, and 1,680 Rider Recovery meals have been distributed since January 2024.
A network of 17 Little Free Food Pantries located across campus in residence halls and apartment complexes distributes 20 to 50 pounds of food weekly, providing consistent access to essential products for students and their families. The program’s Swap Shop has redistributed 508 student-donated items to students in need, reinforcing a spirit of community and mutual support on campus.
SAU’s approach to food insecurity is deeply rooted in community partnership. Aramark provides 350 free cafeteria meal tickets annually for students in need. Brookshire’s has contributed $28,552 and nearly 9,000 pounds of donations, while Harvest Food Bank provided 1,600 pounds of sweet potatoes. The MLK Day of Service and Fall Food Drive have drawn support from Bodcaw Bank, Cadence Bank, Farmers Bank, Mac’s Cashsaver, People’s Bank, Magnolia Bake Shop, Bridget’s on the Square, and ISI Ministries, together raising more than $3,250.
Grant funding, written by Gean herself, has grown steadily year over year. Funders including EngageAR, the Arkansas Hunger Alliance, the Blue and You Foundation, the Arkansas Community Foundation, the PepsiCo Foundation, and the ExxonMobil Foundation have contributed a combined total of more than $80,000 since 2022, with annual awards of $11,972 in 2022, $21,532 in 2023, $26,800 in 2024, and $20,230 in 2025.
Gean’s presentation at the First-Year Experience Conference is a testament to the impact that dedicated, creative leadership can have on student success. Her work at SAU reflects a commitment not only to feeding students, but to building the systems, partnerships, and resources that ensure no student has to choose between food and their education. The growth and reach of this program is a direct reflection of her vision and leadership.
To learn more about Service Learning and student support programs at SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.
About SAU:
Southern Arkansas University provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees across four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to meet the needs of today’s career and professional trends. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.