Southwest Louisiana has rallied to the cause of making sure school-age children have enough to eat. According to the latest research, older students also need a helping hand. Twenty-nine percent of students at four-year colleges and 38 percent at two year schools experience food insecurity, according to a report from The Hope Center.

Sowela Technical College is responding by hosting its inaugural Feed the Tiger Food Drive Wednesday, Nov. 8., and they need help from individuals, the community and businesses.

Non-Perishable donations can be dropped off 8 a.m.-noon at Sowela’s Culinary, Gaming and Hospitality Center, 3841 Senator J. Bennett Johnston Ave.

“In addition to inflation, which is certainly a major factor for students and everyone else, the qualification for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) changed this year. Some students no longer meet the eligibility or the amount is less now,” said Director of Student Services Maegan Lewis.

Community college food insecurity percentages are likely higher because students are generally older and have more responsibilities than their four-year institution peers. They are also more likely to have jobs and dependents, and many are taking classes at community colleges to learn the skills necessary to raise their current standard of living.

Needed items include cereal, oatmealw packets, peanut butter, jelly, tuna/canned meats, canned peas, prepared meals, pasta sauce, Mac ‘n Cheese, rice, canned goods, instant potatoes, condiments, granola bars, dried fruit, crackers, Jell-O, pudding, beverages, paper products and personal care items.

“The frozen food items and soups in microwaveable packaging go the fastest,” Lewis said. “Special holiday meals are always welcome. Students have the week off and about six weeks off for the winter break between the fall and spring semesters.”

Thanks to generous donors, SOWELA’s Office of Student Services has been able to pack bags of food and hygiene products in a free and confidential way for the past five years,” Lewis said.

The college recently received the Hunger-Free Campus designation from the Louisiana Board of Regents and as part of the designation, committed to hosting an annual food drive.

“Whether it is one meal or one product, no donation is too big or too small. Hundreds of SOWELA students in need will be able to fight food insecurities thanks to the Tiger Love Food Pantry on campus.”

The pantry is located at the College’s Main Campus in Lake Charles and is free to SOWELA students, faculty and staff. Students must complete a request form to receive a monthly food bag and show a current SOWELA ID at pick up. Food bag delivery is available for students at the College’s Jennings, Leesville and Oakdale sites.

For those who prefer to make a monetary donation, they can do so through the Sowela Foundation at www.sowela.edu/give and designate the gift to the “Tiger Love Food Pantry.” For more information, contact Sowela’s Office of Student Services at studentservices@sowela.edu or 337-421-6975.