A total of 60,000 meals will be distributed throughout Southwest Louisiana thanks to community partnership.

The Inaugural Tee Off Against Hunger Golf Tournament took place Friday as Second Harvest Food Bank, local officials and community members gathered at the L’Auberge Contraband Bayou Golf Club to participate in a “day of golf for a cause.”

The money raised will financially support hunger relief programs that target food insecurity in Southwest Louisiana.

The event’s fundraising goal of $20,000 was met before the golfing began, said Paul Scelfo, regional director, Acadiana and Southwest Louisiana Second Harvest.

For every dollar donated, three meals can be provided to the community.

Tee Off Against Hunger was a community outreach golf tournament.

Second Harvest board member Dennis Stine said that the event was a “coming out party” for Second Harvest, as much of the community aid has happened behind the scenes through partnerships.

“It’s an opportunity to be known in our area. We depend on the community support…”

One such partnership is the one that was established with McNeese State University.

Dr. Frederick “Chip” LeMieux, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management, McNeese State University, said that the university’s partnership with Second Harvest has been mutually beneficial.

Just over one year ago, McNeese opened their industrial, commercial kitchen up to Second Harvest to provide free, hot meals to locals experiencing food insecurity.

McNeese students are able to learn how to safely cook large quantities of food and pick-up free meals.

He said that this practice of collaboration is vital to solve prominent community problems like food insecurity.

“We know that there’e a need throughout the community, and there’s strength in numbers, and we’re all here to support and help when needed. Each of these individuals are stronger as a community.”

Scelfo said that they upkeep 53 partnerships. Through these altruistic relationships, Second Harvest conducts community outreach.

Second Harvest is based out of New Orleans, but its presence in Lake Charles is getting stronger. Stine referenced a Second Harvest warehouse that was built on La. Hwy 397 in June of this year.

The establishment of the warehouse allows for more effective service in Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis parishes.

Scelfo said that it is important to Second Harvest that Southwest Louisiana residents know that they can be a part of the mission: “To end hunger by providing food access, advocacy, education and disaster response.”

“What we wanted to do is have an opportunity where people could come out, anybody in the community, and enjoy being outside and be a part of our Second Harvest partnerships. … Anybody can help, anybody can be a part of outreach for food insecurity in Lousisiana.”

Citizen assistance can be given through financial support, food donation and volunteer hours.

“Whatever they would like, we can meet them where they are to provide food security to neighborhoods in Southwest Louisiana.”

To donate or volunteer, visit no-hunger.org.