Roomie's Pride Pantry

Written by Drew Barzenick

Photos by Danielle Wilkinson

2013, Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) recognized the presence of food insecurity within its college community. There were faculty, students, and staff who struggled to get food on their tables. Once the realization was made that SLU’s very own community had a need, Tasha Cooper and the Southeastern Foundation stepped up to the plate to create an on-campus resource: a food pantry. After 11 years in operation, Roomie’s Pride Pantry continues to provide food for faculty, students, and staff year-round.

The pantry typically receives 550-700 visits/check-ins per month, depending on the time of year. Surprisingly, the summer months see over 200 visitors. Beyond providing food, this organization offers resources for fellowship, volunteer opportunities, emergency food bags, and Lion Traxx Shuttle grocery store runs.

Thais Lindemayer Gomes, Coordinator of International Programs and Student Well-Being, says, “Our mission is to address food insecurity and promote a culture of wellbeing and support at Southeastern Louisiana University.” She currently heads Roomie’s Pride Pantry, ensuring dayto-day operations run smoothly and the shelves are always stocked with food. Thais’ own experience utilizing the on-campus food pantry led her to the role she has today. As an international student with no car, balancing work, school, tennis practice, and campus involvement, the food pantry gave her security in the sense that she would always be able to prepare a meal for herself. She describes managing Roomie’s Pride Pantry as a gratifying, full-circle moment.

Roomie’s Pride Pantry operates under the Office for International Programs and Student Well-Being, which is part of the Office for Student Engagement, and under the Southeastern Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The pantry items are funded entirely through donations and grants. Many departments and organizations on campus assist in keeping the pantry stocked. Diamond Cavalier, a Botany major and food pantry volunteer, works with the SLU Sustainability Center to provide fresh vegetables grown on campus to the food pantry.

With a large international student population on campus, many ingredients are incorporated into their cuisine that can be difficult to access. Through this partnership, all food pantry guests are allowed to incorporate fresh vegetables into their daily meals. Southeastern Louisiana University is a community in itself, and through the help of other departments, this organization has been able to thrive and grow over the last 11 years.

The directors and volunteers of Roomie’s Pride Pantry strive to go beyond providing food- they provide their visitors with support, a listening ear, well-being resources, and a safe space. Their goal is to bring awareness to students, faculty, and staff that this space is available to them year-round. Roomie’s Pride Pantry is a compassionate organization dedicated to enhancing the day-to-day lives of students and faculty who face food insecurity.

How can I access the resources of Roomie’s Pride Pantry?

The pantry is open to all students and staff, an SLU ID is required, and users are allowed to obtain 10 items twice a week. The pantry is located in McGehee Hall, Room 109.

How can you help?

Visit southeastern.edu or scan the QR code below to learn about ways to support those on campus in need.