DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION
4 PM – 6 PM
Closed during University holidays and hours subject to change
About the LSUHS Food Pantry
Welcome to Geaux Goods the LSUHS Food Pantry!! Geaux Goods has been established to alleviate food insecurities among students, so they are better able to focus on studies, family, work and personal growth. According to national research, it is estimated that almost half of college students across the nation have faced food insecurity. This can be positively impacted through increased education, access to resources and a supportive community. Geaux Goods Food Pantry serves as a year-round resource for students to receive nutritional assistance.
Our goal is to provide food to LSUHS students facing food insecurity. In an effort to serve as many students as possible, we may post guidelines as to the number of items in various categories that a student can receive on a monthly basis.
Food insecurity
Food insecurity exists in many places among different populations. Food banks and food pantries are parts of the food system, which provides short-term food relief for those experiencing food insecurity. A food pantry is a place that distributes emergency food directly to people; it is distinct from a food bank, which is a larger facility that distributes food to pantries.
Food insecurity is recognized as a problem in rural populations, among the elderly, people of color, singleparent households and in students that are economically challenged. Geaux Goods will increase awareness of food insecurity on campus and provide nutritional assistance to students in need.
Safety
Safety is of the utmost importance to the Geaux Goods Food Pantry volunteers. If any of the work that you are asked to do is unsafe, please let the Director of Institutional Wellness know immediately (marie.vazquez@lsuhs. edu). We encourage any ideas or suggestions about how we can create an even safer work environment. Please report all personal injuries incurred while volunteering on the premises to the Director of Institutional Wellness.
Non-Discrimination Policy
LSUHS does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, or veteran’s status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to its programs and activities.
Student Privacy
Geaux Goods Food Pantry volunteers will have access to limited student information and will interact with students in need. LSUHS respects and promotes the right to privacy of students’ use of the food pantry and student records regarding their use. Therefore, records are maintained with the highest degree of confidentiality. You are prohibited from disclosing any personal information about a student visitor. The federal law known as the Family Educational Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits the University from disclosing students’ educational records without the student’s written consent or a properly served and issued subpoena. Generally, any information which pertains to a student’s attendance at LSUHS is an educational record including, but not limited to, grades, transcripts, medical information, scholarship and financial reports, personal home and family information, and accountability files/status.
In addition to keeping all student records and information confidential, you are also prohibited from speaking with any other person regarding a student’s use of the Geaux Goods Food Pantry. Any violation of this confidentiality could result in individual action by the University.
Pantry Use Eligibility
Any student currently enrolled at LSUHS (School of Allied Health Professions, School of Medicine, School of Graduate Studies) can utilize the pantry. However, the student must meet USDA guidelines of eligibility and be able to provide all the required paperwork during the registration process.
*USDA Guidelines: USDA products will only be distributed to students meeting USDA income guidelines, which vary based on number of people in a household. Proof of income in the form of a paystub, bank statement, W-2 or statement of receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income is required to receive USDA items. Those who do not provide proof of income will not be allowed USDA items until documentation is provided. Please see USDA eligibility guidelines below:
Eligibility of Households
A food bank must adhere to the following eligibility requirements for distributing donated food to needy households and must keep on file a completed Application/Declaratory Statement of Eligibility (Attachment 4). Alternate application forms may be used if they capture all information requested on Attachment 4. Any alternate application must be approved by the Food Distribution Division prior to use. This includes any electronic eligibility verification system.
1. An applicant must be a resident of a parish in which the recipient agency has jurisdiction. 2. An applicant must meet one of the following criteria:
♦ Combined gross income of all persons in applicant’s household is within the following guidelines:
♦ Applicant receives supplemental security income.
♦ Applicant’s household receives aid to families with dependent children.
♦ Complete the Application linked here and return it to Marie.Vazquez@lsuhs.edu. (This application is created by the USDA and may not meet WCAG 2.1 AA requirements.)
These Income Guidelines are to be used for all distributions between July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
Distribution Policy
Students may visit the pantry twice a month. Attendance is tracked by signing in on Tablet and completing the distribution log.
Disturbances
If a student comes into Geaux Goods Food Pantry and is being disruptive, please contact the University Police. Disruptive behavior includes but is not limited to appearing to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol, harassing students, volunteers or staff, or threatening students, volunteers or staff. Volunteers should alert University Police at 318-675-6165.
Food Pantry Operations and Responsibilities
Customer service is of utmost importance to the Geaux Goods Food Pantry. Visiting a pantry can be a vulnerable experience for anyone and it is your role as a volunteer to make it stress-free and welcoming. To this point, it is important for you to speak to all students with respect. Help new students feel comfortable and at ease. Be courteous, cordial, attentive and alert while interacting with students. Pay attention to the specific needs of each person. Even if a student is rude, or having a hard day, you must remain cheerful, friendly, and helpful. Please be patient and understanding with all students and their needs.
All volunteers are expected to dress neatly and appropriately. Please be conscious of personal hygiene and any potentially offensive clothing while you are volunteering at Geaux Goods. You MUST wear closed-toe shoes at ALL times.
Volunteers must wash their hands prior to beginning their shift and after every time they use the bathroom. Wash hands with soap in warm water thoroughly for 20 seconds and rinse well.
Any theft or improper use of your role as a Geaux Goods Volunteer is considered a serious offense and violations will not be tolerated.
Volunteer Guidelines
• All volunteers must view the Food Safety Training PowePoint before being scheduled to volunteer.
• All volunteers must check in via email at marie.vazquez@lsuhs.edu (Director of Institutional Wellness) prior to beginning shift.
• Support the mission of Geaux Goods Food Pantry
• Be familiar with all procedures outlined in this manual.
• Participate in a brief training (watch food safety PowerPoint)
• Be punctual, dependable and reliable.
• Follow basic food safety guidelines.
• Unpack cases and stock dry goods, frozen and refrigerated items and place them on shelves.
• Treat all persons associated with the pantry in a positive and professional manner.
• Keep the identity of all visitors confidential.
Opening Shift Volunteer Procedures
• Wash Hands
• Locate file box, restock blank forms if needed.
• Locate bag supply, restock if necessary.
• If a line forms, allow only 3 students in pantry at a time.
• Restock food items from the Food Pantry inventory.
• Label and stock USDA items if needed.
• Organize food on shelves by category and moving items forward (oldest to newest)
• Check all refrigerated items and produce for spoilage. If there is spoilage, record it in the spoilage log in the spreadsheet labeled “Spoilage” and dispose of it in the designated can located in the pantry.
• Clean and tidy an area that needs attention, seek housekeeping staff if a particular cleaning supply or equipment is needed.
Closing Shift Volunteer Procedure
• Ensure all forms are filed in the correct tab in the file box.
• Scan the shelves and refer to the spoilage guidelines for any items that should be disposed.
• Place the trash bag outside of the pantry door.
• Check the temperature on both the refrigerator and freezer. Record temperature in the daily Temperature Log spreadsheet (right side of freezer)
• Clean and tidy areas that need attention.
• Report issues to the Director of Institutional Wellness (marie.vazquez@lsuhs.edu)
• Turn off the lights.
Food Pantry User Process
• Greet and welcome students to Geaux Goods Food Pantry
• Ask if this is their first visit to the pantry
♦ If yes, ask them to complete an Intake Form and Food Bank Client Application and Oasis database form.
♦ If yes, ask if they brought proof of income to qualify for USDA items.
☐ If yes, refer to the income guidelines posted for eligibility to receive USDA items and ensure they meet the listed criteria.
♦ File completed intake forms in folder labeled “Intake Forms to be processed.”
• Have the distribution form ready (located in binder) to complete the required information.
• Students should sign a distribution form and volunteer should initial.
• Say goodbye and wish them a good day.
Inventory and Donations
Knowing what products are in stock makes it convenient to order more food when you can see exactly what items you may be out of, or to keep track of what stock is running low. Geaux Goods Food Pantry relies heavily on donations from various entities, including faculty/staff and student organizations. A LSUHS Foundation Account does exist for monetary donations and to purchase food items from the NWLA Food Bank. Volunteers will be coordinated to pick up Food Bank orders.
Throughout the year, there may be food drives occurring around campus. If a collection drive has occurred, Food Pantry volunteers will retrieve the donation and bring it to the pantry. Every effort will be made to pick up the donation at the requested date and time, but due to volunteer scheduling, we may not be able to accommodate the requested timeline.
Volunteers should not accept monetary donations. If someone would like to donate money, please direct them to the LSUHS Foundation Website or to contact Dr. Marie Vazquez Morgan at marie.vazquez@lsuhs.edu or 318393-2040.
Common Items Requested in the LSUHS Food Pantry
• Canned beans
• Canned soups
• Canned meats
• Canned tuna
• Beans
• Rice
Receiving a Donation
• Pasta
• Cereals/oatmeal
• Peanut butter/jelly
• School supplies
• Ready Made Meals
• Bread/tortillas
• Cheese
• Vegetarian/vegan items
• Gluten-free items
• Plastic or paper bags
When a food donation is made, the following steps should be taken:
1. Record on tracking form with the name of the donor, organization they are representing, date, and name of volunteer receiving the donation. If the donation is an Amazon donation, record the name of the donor if available.
2. Stock on shelves in appropriate places of the pantry.
Do not attempt to lift any box that you feel is beyond your ability.
Food Safety
It is vitally important for Geaux Goods Food Pantry to implement proper food handling measures to ensure that any product being distributed to students is safe for consumption.
• A “best used by date” is not an expiration date.
• Other food may still be eligible for distribution past the best by or use by date. Check the food quality expiration guidelines provided.
• Dispose if:
♦ Cans or packaging is severely disfigured
♦ Vacuum seal is broken on any airtight packages
♦ Any leaking or busted packaging
♦ No expiration date or best by date listed
♦ Missing package description label
♦ Item does not display nutrition facts
• Clean floors, refrigerators, and shelving regularly.
• Food must be stored and distributed so that cases with the oldest receiving date are used first.
• Check freezers and refrigeration units regularly for temperature, leaks and malfunctions.
Food Spoilage
Provided guidelines should be used in determining when an item has spoiled (not expiration dates). All food should be discarded in the designated can located in the Geaux Goods Food Pantry.
Food Storage
Proper storage of food is an integral part of food safety. It ensures that food served to users will be healthy and safe to eat. The following guidelines will be used:
• Food and other products will be stored 6” off the floor and 4” away from the wall, and 4” from the ceiling.
• Non-food items such as cleaning and maintenance supplies must be stored separately from the food.
• Maintain proper temperatures in all storage areas; keep thermometers in all cold storage units; maintain temperature logs.
Storage Temperatures
A thermometer should be in dry, refrigerated, and frozen storage areas. Information should be updated every day the pantry is operational. The following temperature guidelines will be used:
Storage Method Proper Storage Temperature
Refrigerator 41 degrees or below
Freezer 0 degrees or below
Dry Storage 50-70 Degrees
Fridge/Freezer Log Procedure
A log will be maintained for each freezer and refrigerator on tracking form. It is the responsibility of the opening and closing volunteer to:
1. Record Time and Date
2. Record Temperature of Freezers and Refrigerators
3. If needed, file the completed form in the appropriate folder and replace it with a blank form.
The Director of Institutional Wellness or associated staff will verify that the volunteer has taken the required temperatures by reviewing the logs weekly. If corrective action is required on any day, inform Dr. Marie Vazquez Morgan at marie.vazquez@lsuhs.edu.
Power Outage Plan
In case of power outage/failure:
• All refrigerated items will need to be relocated or thrown away to avoid spoilage.
• Defrost the freezer if time allows and put towels around both the freezer and refrigerator.
Welcome!
Please take a few minutes to review this information so that you have a better idea about the Geaux Goods Food Pantry.
• The purpose of the Geaux Goods Food Pantry is to provide supplemental food and other necessities to students who need assistance.
The Food Pantry is closed on LSUHS Holidays but is open during university breaks on a limited schedule. During semester breaks, appointments may be scheduled by calling 318-393-2040 or emailing foodpantry@lsuhs.edu.
• To be eligible for our services, you must be an enrolled student at LSUHS.
• Please bring your photo ID to the pantry on every visit.
• **In order to receive USDA items, students must provide proof of income in the form of a paystub, bank statement, W-2, or statement of receiving SNAP benefits, TANF or Supplemental Security Income is required to receive USDA items.
• Our stock is donation driven, therefore there may be times when we do not have an item you would like. We do our best to maintain a variety and in the provision of basic food for students.
• If you are interested in volunteering, or to coordinate a food drive or fundraising event, please email foodpantry@lsuhs.edu.
If you have any questions, or need a referral for assistance to another office, please ask one of the Food Pantry team members present at each distribution.
I was made aware of the Food Pantry from: (please circle all that apply)
Weekly Email
Posters/Flyers
Friends
Faculty/Staff
Other: (please specify)
Family Size: (number of people living in one household for whom you are providing support)
Are you a Veteran (please circle) Yes No
What items would you most like to see available in the food pantry: (please circle all that apply)
Fresh produce
Frozen meat
Pasta/Rice
Canned meat
Canned fruit
Canned vegetables
Meal kits
Cereal/Oatmeal
Dried beans
Peanut butter
Packaged snacks
Organic items
Drinks
Bread
Spices Flour/Sugar
Cookbooks
Hygiene items
Pans/cooking utensils
Other: __________________
By my signature, I acknowledge receipt of free food from the LSUS Food Pantry. I understand this is a gift and not a reoccurring obligation by the institution.
Further, I understand and agree that by accepting this food I freely and voluntarily, with full knowledge, hold LSU Health Shreveport harmless and in no way liable or responsible for the quality, condition, content or packaging of this food.
Name Signature Date
LSUHS Email: Student ID#:
Classification:
For office use only: USDA Approved? Yes No
(Must attach ID and proof of income)
By using my LSUHS student ID number to sign-in, I am granting Geaux Goods Food Pantry staff permission to verify that I am a currently enrolled LSUHS student and to record that I visited the Food Pantry today. Information about my visit is kept confidential and is recorded for the purpose of identifying frequency of visits to the Food Pantry, identifying the number of unique users and other research intended to address the hunger needs in the LSUHS student body. Any demographic data used from Geaux Goods Food Pantry patrons for research purposes will have identifiable information removed including, but not limited to, name and contact information.
I understand that the Food Pantry is for use by LSUHS Students only.
I also acknowledge that I am receiving free food from Geaux Goods Food Pantry and that I understand this donation is a gift and not a reoccurring obligation by the institution.
I understand there may be some limitations on Food Pantry use, including the number of times each student may visit the Pantry, the number of items each student may receive based on family size and the availability of some type of items. These limitations are posted in the Food Pantry.
I agree that I may be contacted by the LSUHS Director of Institutional Wellness and/or the LSUHS Food Pantry regarding upcoming programs/services that may be beneficial for my educational experience.
I understand and agree that by accepting this food I freely and voluntarily, with full knowledge, RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS, the State of Louisiana, the LSU Board of Supervisors and LSU Health Shreveport and its respective members, officers, employees, student workers, student interns, volunteers, agents, representatives, institutions, and/or departments from any and all liability, claims, damages, costs, expenses, personal injuries, illnesses, death or loss of personal property resulting, in whole or in part, from my participation in the Food Pantry and for the quality, condition, content or packing of this food.
Name Signature Date
LSUHS Email: Student ID#:
Classification:
Updated: October 3, 2024