NATCHITOCHES – A rededication and open house for the Northwestern State University Food Pantry will take place Thursday, March 18. The presentation will take place at noon. Guests are invited to bring a donation and join the program.
The rededication is being held in conjunction with the Demon Drive Service Project in which student organizations will be dropping off donations, touring the renovated facility, stocking shelves and learning about services provided. The Demon Drive Service Project is taking place as part of Homecoming festivities. To accommodate the initiative, the parking lot next to The Pantry will be closed Wednesday night, March 17-Thursday afternoon, March 18 to allow space for students to drop off donations.
The Pantry serves all NSU and BPCC@NSU students free of charge offering non-perishable food items, toiletries, cleaning supplies, kitchen tools, cutlery, sanitizer, personal hygiene products and other items. The Pantry was created in 2015 to address food insecurity on campus. The Pantry is staffed by more than 50 student, faculty and staff volunteers who participate in training on the importance of courtesy and confidentiality.
The Pantry has been a vital resource over the last year when students were financially affected by COVID-19, multiple hurricanes, the recent winter storm, and other unexpected expenses. During university breaks and other closures, prepackaged bags were placed for collection outside the Food Pantry, which is located on the south side of Trisler Power Plant across from Magale Recital Hall on NSU’s Central Avenue. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-noon Friday.
Donations to the Food Pantry are always welcome. Monetary donations are also accepted through the NSU Foundation. Donors can visit www.northwesternstatealumni.com and support the NSU Food Pantry in the Make A Gift section and specifying the NSU Food Pantry.
