NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University students and organizations are taking action against food insecurity on campus through the NSU Food Pantry, with a day of service and awareness planned Tuesday, Sept. 29, as part of Hunger Action Month.
Hunger Action Day will bring registered student organizations into the Food Pantry to volunteer throughout the day while encouraging students, faculty and staff to wear orange, the color associated with Hunger Action Month, to raise awareness of food insecurity and resources available to students.
Elizabeth Hardy, student coordinator of the NSU Food Pantry, said the goal is to make Hunger Action Day a campuswide effort and show that supporting students experiencing food insecurity can take many forms.
“The goal of Hunger Action Day at NSU is to bring awareness to food insecurity and encourage our campus community to take action,” Hardy said. “I hope students, faculty, and staff understand that food insecurity can affect college students and that there are resources available to help. I also hope people realize that taking action does not always have to mean making a donation. Wearing orange, volunteering, sharing information, and simply having conversations about food insecurity can make a huge difference.”
The NSU Food Pantry provides supplemental food and hygiene assistance to actively enrolled NSU students. The Pantry serves around 110 students per week.
“Food insecurity can have a major impact on a student’s college experience,” Hardy said. “When students are worried about where their next meal is coming from, it can be difficult to focus on classes, work, and other responsibilities. There can also be a lot of stigma surrounding food insecurity, which may prevent students from asking for help. Raising awareness helps normalize conversations about food insecurity and lets students know that it’s okay to lean in on resources if they need it. I think it is important for students to know that resources like the NSU Food Pantry are here to support them.”
On Sept. 29, registered student organizations can volunteer at the Food Pantry in 30-minute shifts from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Each organization can bring three to five volunteers to assist with checking students in and out of the pantry.
“We want Hunger Action Day to be something the entire campus community can participate in, whether that is through volunteering, wearing orange, or simply helping spread awareness,” Hardy said.
Registered student organizations interested in volunteering can contact Hardy at ehardy323213@nsula.edu.
The NSU Food Pantry is located in Trisler Power Plant. Fall 2026 hours are 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon Friday. The Pantry is closed when the university is closed unless otherwise noted.
“I think one of the biggest impacts of the Pantry is that it gives students one less thing to worry about when they are already balancing school, work, and other responsibilities,” Hardy said. “As student coordinator, I have seen how important it is for students to have a resource on campus where they can receive assistance without having to leave campus. The Pantry is not just about providing food. It is about supporting students so they can focus on their education and continue working toward their goals.”