LAKE CHARLES, La. – The holidays are a great time to give back, and one simple way to contribute is by driving through a food drive. This Saturday marks a special event supported by the McNeese Alumni Association, who have generously come together to help McNeese students.
Amy Veuleman, an assistant professor at McNeese and chair of the Liberal Arts Food Pantry, shared that the idea for food pantries on campus emerged in 2023 but became a reality in 2024. “We originally funded the Poke Pantry through a grant, but those funds are running low, so we need to restock,” she explained.
In the past academic year, the pantry has already assisted around 200-300 students. Keeping track of usage is vital, and last year they noted about 400 families utilizing the service.
The pantries are easy to access. Students can visit any of the three locations on campus and take up to 15 items at a time. This convenience is crucial for those who may not be able to travel home, such as international students and student-athletes. With campus food services not always open, these pantries provide much-needed snacks and meals for hungry students.
Connor Knight, a student from Alabama, shared his experience with the pantry. “I live eight hours away, so it’s super convenient. Sometimes, I just grab a water and a snack to get me through a busy day,” he said.
If you want to help, consider donating items such as canned food, ramen noodles, prepackaged snacks, and water. You can drop off donations at the McNeese Alumni Association from 9 a.m. to noon. McNeese faculty and board members will be there to collect your contributions.
For those unable to attend the event, there are alternative ways to contribute. Veuleman mentioned that donations can be made through the McNeese Foundation directly to benefit the pantries, or via their Amazon wishlist that sends items straight to the campus.
This initiative highlights a growing trend. Many universities are setting up food pantries to address student food insecurity, which has been on the rise in recent years. According to a recent study from the Hope Center for College, about 39% of college students face food insecurity, emphasizing the importance of such resources on campuses nationwide.
By coming together, we can support our students and ensure that no one goes hungry during tough times.
