Southeastern receives hunger-free campus grant

Southeastern Louisiana University has been awarded a $5,000 grant through the Louisiana Board of Regents 2026 Hunger-Free Campus initiative. The recognition highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to addressing student food insecurity and ensuring that basic needs are met so students can thrive academically.

The Hunger-Free Campus program supports higher education institutions that demonstrate a proactive approach to expanding access to food resources and strengthening campus support.

Twenty-one campuses were named recipients of the 2026 Hunger-Free Campus Awards, with total funding exceeding $100,000 to support campus-based initiatives addressing student food insecurity. These awards provide critical resources to strengthen and expand Hunger-Free Campus efforts across Louisiana.

Southeastern is utilizing the funding to enhance the efficiency, visibility, and outreach capabilities of Roomie’s Pride Pantry. The grant funds will be used to purchase most needed items, such as pasta, rice, fruit cups, condiments, and refrigerated items, as well as vital infrastructure items, transport gear, and promotional materials like signage.

“At Southeastern, student success begins with ensuring our students have the support they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “Receiving this Hunger-Free Campus award reflects our commitment to removing barriers to education and investing in the well-being of every student. We are grateful to the Louisiana Board of Regents for recognizing these efforts and for helping us strengthen resources like Roomie’s Pride Pantry, which exemplifies the compassion and service that define our university community.”

Coordinator of International Programs and Student Well-being / Roomie’s Pride Pantry Thais Lindemayer Gomes added that Southeastern is reinforcing a campus culture where no student has to choose between their education and their next meal.

“We are incredibly grateful for the Hunger-Free Campus initiative and honored to be selected for this award,” said Gomes. “This recognition motivates our team to continue doing our very best to provide this vital resource to our campus community. However, this milestone does not mean we can slow down. Roomie’s Pride Pantry is fully sustained by donations, which means the work to fight food insecurity never stops.”

For more information about Southeastern’s campus pantry, how to donate, or how to access resources, call (985) 549-2120 or visit https://www.southeastern.edu/admin/international-programs-and-student-wellbeing/pantry/.