October 15, 2024

Natchitoches – Northwestern State University will hold a food drive Thursday, Oct. 24 at the NSU Food Pantry as part of Homecoming week activities.

The President’s Leadership Program and Residence Life will host the service drive from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the NSU Food Pantry for anyone interested in dropping off food items during their lunch break. Academic departments, Registered Student Organizations and other groups will participate.

The Pantry is located on the south side of Trisler Power Plant on Central Avenue across from Magale Recital Hall.  Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-noon Friday.

Homecoming 2024 NSU Food Pantry Shopping List

Snacks

  • Nuts/Crackers/Snack Mix
  • Salsa or Dip
  • Microwave Popcorn
  • Pudding Boxes/Fruit Bars
  • Granola Bars

Drinks

  • Coffee
  • Bottled Water
  • Bottled Juice
  • Lemonade Mix
  • Powdered/Canned Milk

Rice, Pasta & Other Pantry Staples

  • Instant Potatoes
  • Boxed Pasta
  • Flour/Sugar
  • Cooking Oils (Olive or Canola Oil)
  • Boxed Cake Mixes, Brownies, Frosting
  • Chicken, Beef, or Vegetable Broth
  • Condiments & Seasonings
  • Pasta/Pizza/Spaghetti Sauce
  • Mustard/Mayonnaise
  • Jelly/Jam
  • Seasoning Packets (Taco, Chili, Gravy, Ranch, etc.)
  • Salad Dressing
  • Pickles
  • Spices – Salt, Pepper, Other Seasonings

Breakfast Items

  • Pop Tarts/Breakfast Bars
  • Cereal
  • Muffins/Donuts/Pastries

Meal Essentials

  • Tortillas
  • Pizza Crust
  • Pie Shells/Pie Filling
  • Taco Shells

Canned Meats & Ready to Eat Meals

  • Canned Tuna & Chicken
  • Peanut Butter
  • Chili, Ravioli, etc.
  • Chunky Soups
  • Rice Dishes

International Cuisine

Canned Beans/ Vegetables/Fruit 

Toiletry Items (full size items)

  • Body Wash/Soap
  • Antiperspirant/Deodorant
  • Shaving Cream
  • Toothpaste
  • Feminine Hygiene Products
  • Shampoo and Conditioner

Household Items

  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Laundry Detergent Pods
  • Dish Detergent
  • Paper Towels
  • Toilet Paper
  • Trash Bags

Miscellaneous Items

  • Can Openers
  • Food Storage Containers
  • Ziplock Bags

The NSU Food Pantry has served the NSU community since 2015 when Social Work students recognized a need to combat food insecurity on campus.  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 is organized in the manner of a small convenience store and is staffed by more than 50 student, faculty and staff volunteers who are trained on the importance of courtesy and confidentiality.

NSU was one of the first universities in the state to create a food pantry. Today, most universities support some type of food bank.  Earlier this year, The Pantry received a grant that funded the purchase of a cold storage unit to stock frozen meals.

Monetary donations to support The Pantry are accepted through the NSU Foundation by visiting www.northwesternstatealumni.com.  Users should select the “Give” tab, select “Other” in in the Choose Category box and specify the NSU Food Pantry in the Comments section.