How Jell-O Shots Raised $52K for LSU’s Food Pantry: A Sweet Success Story

BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU’s food pantry is receiving a significant boost, thanks to the efforts of Rocco’s, a bar in Omaha known for its Jell-O shots during the College World Series.

Jennifer Cristina, manager of LSU’s food pantry, expressed her gratitude for the support. This year, LSU fans purchased an impressive 52,390 Jell-O shots, raising $52,000, which is now on its way to Baton Rouge. Cristina plans to use these funds to stock the pantry shelves more consistently.

Even during summer, when fewer students are on campus, the demand for food remains high. Cristina describes mornings at the pantry, saying, “We’ll have up to 50 students lined up almost to the doors.” The pressure is on to have enough food available, especially as supplies often run out quickly.

Cristina noted that the pantry relies on donations, including a weekly contribution from the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, but it still faces challenges. “We have to make tough choices about how many items students can take,” she said.

Thanks to Rocco’s support, Cristina expects to restock items faster than before. Pat McEvoy, manager of Rocco’s, emphasized the importance of the charitable aspect of their efforts. McEvoy started Rocco’s social media account, which now has over 50,000 followers. He was thrilled to see Omaha residents appreciating the connection with LSU fans.

The impact of LSU baseball’s success and their dedicated fan support is already shaping plans for the future. The pantry has hopes for renovations, aiming to serve even more students.

In recent years, food insecurity on college campuses has become a pressing issue. A study from the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice found that 45% of college students reported experiencing food insecurity. Initiatives like LSU’s food pantry are crucial in addressing this challenge.

For more information about LSU’s food pantry, you can visit their official page.

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