In response to a climate of increased grocery prices and ever-present economic challenges, Second Harvest Food Bank, Sempra and McNeese State Univerisity have partnered to provide 400 Southwest Louisiana families with a full holiday feast.

Dozens of cars lined up on East McNeese Street for the second annual “Food From the Heart” holiday food distribution event on Wednesday. Food was distributed in an assembly line, with volunteers putting grocery items — turkey, onions, apples, oranges, celery, potatoes, stuffing, corn, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese — in cars one item at a time.

David Smith Jr., development officer for Second Harvest Food Bank said 15.2 percent of Calcasieu Parish residents face hunger.

“There are almost 29,000 people who only eat 170 meals per year.”

This year, Second Harvest provided Southwest Louisiana with more than 6 million pounds of food. But hunger-related hardships are compounded with life and emotional difficulties that can arise during the holidays, he said, and Second Harvest aims to lessen the burden with the gift of food.

“Some people are battling grief. Some people are battling the actual circumstances. Some people are making the impossible decisions. We want to make those impossible situations as easy as possible.”

A “gambit of volunteers” showed up to help. Smith called out Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Fusion Five, Phillips 66 and LyondellBasell. He said they gathered volunteers through word of mouth and the community’s innate desire to give back

“We are supported heavily by the community,” he said. “They recognize what we’re doing and how effective it is. They are just being very supportive of what we’re doing through volunteerism, showing up and supporting in every capacity.”

“It’s through community partnerships that our staff and volunteers are able to provide food to families in need every day, especially during the holiday season, when the need is most pressing,” said Paul Scelfo, chief regional director of Second Harvest Food Bank, said in a news release to the American Press.

“Food from the Heart” food distribution events were held throughout the state, including Lafayette, Opelousas and Ville Platte.

For more information on Second Harvest or to donate, visit www.no-hunger.org.