Nicholls State University’s Art Department is hosting its 13th annual food drive—for the first time, however, in the midst of a nationwide scare regarding food insecurity.

According to America’s Health Rankings, 16.2% percent of Louisiana households cannot provide adequate food for at least one household member. In comparison to other states, this makes Louisiana the third most food-insecure state in the nation.

While SNAP benefits are being partially distributed as of Nov. 9th as per instruction from the Trump Administration with recipients receiving 65% of their monthly allowance, there is still concern regarding the status of the program’s funding. 

Regardless of whether or not they rely on food assistance programs, students on campus concerned about or experiencing hunger can look no further than Nicholls Can.

Since 2012, Nicholls Can has aimed to assist southeast Louisiana food banks—including Nicholls’ Mom’s Pantry, as well as food banks in Thibodaux, Houma, Raceland, Galliano, Morgan City, and Dulac—collecting and donating approximately 154,331 items since its inception. 

Items available for donation include non-perishable food items such as canned vegetables, beans, and soups; dry rice, pasta, and cereals; shelf-stable milk and baby formula; and canned items high in protein such as peanut butter.

Non-food items are also in high demand in many food banks, as they cannot be purchased using SNAP benefits. These include items used for personal hygiene (shampoo, bath soap, toothpaste, sanitary pads, etc.), toilet paper and paper towels, diapers, and household cleaning products.

Donation boxes can be found around campus, such as in the Bollinger Student Union and Ellender Memorial Library. Monetary donations can be made through the program’s website, or through cash and checks delivered to the Department of Art.