Tag: food

Combating Food Insecurity through New Food Pantry Grant

Southeastern has been awarded an $11,220 grant through the 2024 Food Love Grants Program. The prestigious award makes Southeastern only the second university to receive the grant since the program’s inception.

Made possible by the Popeyes Foundation’s SERVING WITH LOVE® initiative, the grant will enhance resources for the Southeastern Food Pantry, which serves students experiencing food insecurity.

The grant was made possible through the efforts of Student Engagement Assistant Director Adonica Reed, Graduate Assistant Patrick O’Neil, and the Office for Student Engagement staff who successfully applied for the funding to support the university’s ongoing work in combating food insecurity.

O’Neil shared his enthusiasm for the grant. “I’m excited to be partnering with Popeyes to help give back to our campus community,” he said. “I can speak for all of the pantry staff when I say that our students and campus workers are going to be ecstatic when we have an abundance of food.”

The Food Love Grants Program, inspired by Popeyes’ New Orleans heritage, focuses on food access and community support. The funding will help the Southeastern Food Pantry expand its services, ensuring students can prioritize their academic goals without the challenge of food insecurity.

“This generous grant will make a big difference for our students,” Reed said. “We’re grateful to the Popeyes Foundation for their support, which will help us continue to serve those who need it most.”

“Popeyes® and the Popeyes Foundation are proud to give back to our local communities. Through our SERVING WITH LOVE® initiative, we will continue providing our team members emergency-related support and give back to local Popeyes® communities through our Food Love Grants Program,” said Executive Director of the Popeyes Foundation Renee Hobbs. “The Popeyes Foundation partners with Popeyes® restaurants to raise funds for our SERVING WITH LOVE® initiative, so we can support our Popeyes® family and our local neighborhoods.”

For more information on Southeastern’s Food Pantry and its services, visit southeastern.edu/foodpantry.

Brewing Up Southeastern’s Centennial Beer

Southeastern is getting a special beer in honor of its upcoming 100th birthday thanks to Gnarly Barley Brewing Company, a locally owned brewery. Named Lion’s Legacy Lager, the special brew is a craft beer.

Southeastern will always hold a special place in the hearts of Zac and Cari Caramonta, owners of Gnarly Barley Brewing, who met while attending college at Southeastern.

“Anytime there’s an opportunity to collaborate with the university, we jump on it,” said Cari Caramonta. “They’ve shown us so much support over the years, and that means a lot to us.”

Caramonta described the lager as “crisp and crushable, brewed cold for a snappy and refreshing finish.” The beer clocks in at a reasonable 5% ABV (alcohol by volume) and is a limited edition, she explained.

“One hundred years of Southeastern is something to celebrate. We suggest a beer that’s just as storied and timeless, like an American lager,” she added.

“We are truly grateful for the Centennial Lion’s Legacy Lager specially crafted by Zac and Cari and their love of Southeastern,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “We appreciate their generosity in helping us celebrate 100 years of educational excellence and look forward to 100 more.”

An official launch event is scheduled at Gnarly Barley on Wednesday, November 20, from 4:30 until 6 p.m.