Tigers Helping Tigers: LSU Food Pantry Builds a Strong Campus Community
October 24, 2025
Food insecurity affects college students on a daily basis. But at LSU, the Food Pantry is there to support currently enrolled students, serving more than 350 LSU students daily with free groceries.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, the Food Pantry received 45,265 visits, distributed 323,196 pounds of food, and logged 2,230 volunteer hours.
“Food insecurity is a campus-wide problem that needs a campus-wide effort,” said Jennifer Cristina, manager of the LSU Food Pantry.
Cristina said the Pantry strives to build a lasting community, relying on donations, volunteers, and service events.
“The Pantry is a unique place on campus where a lot of different kinds of students mingle. I think that’s the strength of it and the potential it carries to be its own community of caring and collaboration, including leadership and service opportunities for students,” Christina said.
Shelves are stocked at the LSU Food Pantry.
– Photo by Ava Burrell
Student volunteers help unload, sort, weigh, and stock food items for students who are eligible to shop once a day. The inventory changes daily based on donations and deliveries from nearby grocery stores. The Food Pantry is also a partner of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, who donates to the LSU Food Pantry once a week.
“Our student employees and volunteers work very hard every day to support their fellow students,” Cristina said. “They take pride in their work and know that while their jobs may be more demanding than others on campus, they are making a real difference.”
To bring attention to the food pantry and the efforts by the SEC, the LSU Food Pantry recently hosted a “food fight” against LSU’s homecoming opponent, the University of South Carolina. The two food pantries “competed” for donations.
“We often do a food drive or service event during homecoming,” Cristina said. “This year, I wanted to incorporate a food fight, so it worked out perfectly.”
Cristina said her work with the Food Pantry is very rewarding and it is a privilege to see the direct impact of it every day.
“If a student is worried about where their next meal will come from, they do not have the ability to focus on their studies,” Cristina said. “Students who are supported are not only able to focus on school but are also able to support others. I’m able to see the direct impact of how the LSU community comes together to change lives every day. It’s a privilege to be able to be a part of that.”
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