HOUSTON - As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact all levels of society, college students nationwide are particularly vulnerable to issues such as food insecurity. To help address this critical need, Lone Star College-University Park held “Leo’s Drive-UP Meal” distribution – which included a gourmet meal for its students.

The lunchtime event, which featured full-course meals catered by Lemond’s Kitchen of Houston, included a quick and easy drive-through service outside the main entrance to the college. More than 200 students signed up for the meal, and the first student arrived at 9:20 a.m. – 40 minutes before the event officially began. The college practiced social distancing and the wearing of masks throughout the event.

LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan, who was on site helping to pass out numerous meals, says this kind of activity serves two key purposes.

“First, it provides a nutritious, delicious meal that many of our students would not be able to afford,” said Dr. Ardalan. “Second, it demonstrates a critical sense of community, which is key part of our culture at LSC-University Park. It lets our students know that we care about their well-being.”

Leo’s Drive-UP Meal is an extension of a larger effort at LSC-University Park to address food insecurity, which continues to be a national issue. Earlier this spring, the college debuted Leo’s Shelf, an on-campus, free-of-charge resource for the LSC-University Park campus community. Leo’s Shelf is managed by faculty and staff volunteers and is stocked by donations. Leo’s Shelf offers free grab-and-go meals and snacks, as well as nonperishable pantry items and personal hygiene products. However, due to the pandemic, LSC-University Park created a partnership with the United Network for Collegiate Pantry Sharing to provide short-term food relief to LSC-University Park through local restaurants. The partnership helped the college arrange for Leo’s Drive-UP event, which had been rescheduled due to the threat from Hurricane Laura.

“The students very much appreciated the meals,” said Kevin Carreathers, director of student services at LSC-University Park, who coordinated the event. “Our college provided another great event to meet the needs of our students as we deal with the impact of COVID-19 and this new normal.”

Carreathers said that future events similar to the Drive-UP will be planned later in the semester.

For more information about Leo’s Shelf or other ways LSC-University Park is providing relief from food insecurity, contact UP-LeosShelf@LoneStar.edu. LSC-University Park continues to do everything it can to meet its mission of access, giving everyone a fair chance to succeed.  There are additional opportunities to enroll for the fall semester via Next Start classes that begin in September and October. Visit lonestar.edu/UP-enroll for more information.