For the first time in Calcasieu Parish, Second Harvest Food Bank was able to host a “Food From the Heart” Holiday Food Distribution event which served over 300 families in the area.

The event took place on Tuesday, December 19 at McNeese State University Football Stadium. Paul Scelfo, regional director, Acadiana and Southwest Louisiana Second Harvest, said that recipients received a full Christmas dinner – valued at about $50 a meal – with “turey and all the trimmings.”

Current economic pressures and the steep rise in grocery store prices have compounded on regular holiday stress he said. Second Harvest’s goal for the distribution event was to provide relief and fight food insecurity that is heightened by the holiday season.

“What we know right now is that food insecurity is increasing in our local communities, so what we’re wanting to do here is be able to take that pressure off of families and provide meals for the Christmas holiday.”

Lindsay Hendriz, chief impact officer, Second Harvest, seconded this sentiment and stated that it is heart-warming to provide local families with a nice holiday that is warmed with a healthy and delicious meal.

“It was our big hope to do some holiday distribution. We know it’s challenging for some families around the holidays and one of the things that we truly believe at the food bank is that everyone should be included in the joy that is eating.”

Following the challenges of the pandemic, large-scale distributions like the one that took place on Tuesday are now Second Harvest’s bread and butter. However, the generosity of the community makes the job easier.

“It’s a huge effort to get it all done, but thankfully we have wonderful support in the community. People are getting behind helping one another around the holidays. When you have that type of rallying among the community, it makes the details really easy.”

Second Harvest worked with local partners like McNeese and Sempra Cameron LNG to bring the event together, and with local pantries and food distribution centers to get the word out.

Frederick “Chip” LeMieux, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management, McNeese State University, said that their ongoing partnership supports the University’s goal of providing nutritious food for the community.

“It’s just another avenue for McNeese to be involved, to have food security for the community.”

It also serves as a prime opportunity to encourage McNeese Students to participate in community service. Twin sisters Allison and Madison Freeman, who volunteered alongside their McNeese Track and Field teammates, were grateful for the chance to give back.

Madison explained that much of her time is dedicated to track practice and studies, but it is important to her and her sister to carve out time for service.

“We grew up volunteering, so it is second nature to us. …We are blessed enough to not have to need anything, so when we see we can do events like this, where we can give back our time or anything that we can to those that don’t have.”

The pair are from Eunice, and Allison said that while they have been altruistic their whole lives, they got bit by the volunteering bug after Hurricane Laura hit their hometown.

“We were active community members at home, and we wanted to bring that back to Lake Charles.”

Scelfo said that Second Harvest continuously works to build its “bandwidth and capabilities” in SWLA, and locals can help by donating time, labor, food and funding.

“If they weren’t here, we would be able to distribute food today. … However you want to help, you are more than welcome.”

There is also a “multitude” of options for food-insecure families who were unable to receive a holiday meal during the distribution event, including the Mobile Market and various partnered food pantries.

To find volunteer opportunities or food assistance, visit no-hunger.org.