According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one in six Louisiana households struggle to put food on the table. Kitchens on the Geaux is helping to alleviate some of that burden.
While the food pantry has existed since 2013, this semester is the first time it is being undertaken as a project under Kitchens on the Geaux in conjunction with the Office of the Dean of Students.
The mission of KOTG is to eliminate local food insecurity through sustainable means and community partnerships. Members sign up for volunteer opportunities the club offers throughout the year, such as its annual potato drop and bringing leftover food from University dining halls to Baton Rouge shelters.
KOTG adviser and higher education administration graduate student Natacha Rivera-Ruiz describes food insecurity as students not knowing where their next meal are coming from.
Since the flooding devastation in Baton Rouge, the food pantry has undergone a resurgence. Donations are pouring in by the cart full every day, and more students know about the pantry’s existence.
“I think people now see the genuine need for LSU students here for it, so I think it’s kind of a revival a little bit,” Rivera-Ruiz said. “As much as I don’t want to use a natural disaster, it assisted in that manner to bring us exposure, and now we’re a somewhat well-known resource on campus, and we’re going to continue to push forward for that.”
University faculty and staff can now use the food pantry temporarily as a resource for those affected by the flood.
Camille Prejean, volunteer coordinator for KOTG, said the club is glad to assume responsibility of the food pantry as it aligns perfectly with KOTG’s goals.
“It’s been nice to see how many people are able to use the food pantry, especially since the flooding,” Prejean said. “It’s a great way to be proactive about fighting hunger on the LSU campus and not just in the Baton Rouge community.”
The pantry is a choice pantry, meaning students can pick and choose items at their leisure up to twice a week. At the food pantry, students swipe in with their Tiger Cards and have the option to fill out a confidential form to receive other assistance from the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability.
“We want you to come in, because the more you come in, the more we see a reason to exist on campus,” Rivera-Ruiz said. “It’s the essentials we’re trying to provide — we want you to get those basic needs completed and taken care of as much as LSU can offer so you can be a successful student here in whatever capacity that is.”
The pantry is located in the Student Union. Its hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Donations and traffic are going well — the only thing I’d say we’re struggling with is volunteers,” Rivera-Ruiz said.