The McNeese Collegiate Future Farmers of America is working to resupply the food pantry in Gayle Hall.

The service organization, which operates within the Harold and Pearl Dripps School of Agricultural Sciences, is hosting a food drive Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Gayle Hall to support McNeese students facing food insecurities.

“In the past, our pantry was supplied with donations gathered by an individual from area stores,” said FFA president Emma Moran. “He would bring canned goods, bread, and pastry items. He has since retired, and we now need to rely more on the community for assistance.”

Moran said previous food drives have been successful, and the group hopes to provide additional resources with this one.

“We love having the pantry in Gayle Hall and being able to see all the students enjoy ourselves thanks to our community,” Moran said. “It gives our campus a chance to come together and raise supplies for others that are just like us.”

FFA is accepting donations of non-perishable foods in jars, cans, and sealed packets. Recommended items include bagged rice, boxes of pasta, dried beans, canned or jarred vegetables, honey, peanut butter, candy, boxed juices, and bottled water.

McNeese is home to several food pantries: the Gayle Hall pantry, the College of Liberal Arts pantry in Kaufman Hall and the Poke Pantry in the New Ranch.

The McNeese Alumni Association is hosting a “Pack the Pantries” event at the Noland Alumni Grove Nov. 1 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

“We hope that the Pack the Pantries event will be a tremendous success that allows for all of our pantries on campus to be fully stocked,” said Moran.