There is really only one thing on campus that gets us through those annoying 11 a.m. classes. Free lunch! It doesn't matter if you've already had a massive breakfast from KD's or if you simply ingested a huge gust of wind, by the time 11:30 rolls around, your stomach is ready for food. But we have a problem. Not only is your stomach empty, but your wallet is too. That's okay my friend. We can get through this together. Here is a recommended guide to free lunch at McNeese.
Monday
The BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministry) is located right beside the McNeese Police Station. It's new. It's large. Part of it resembles a bell tower. You really can't miss it. The lunch serving times are at 11:15 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. A different church brings the meal every week. While students are eating, a speaker from that church will come up for about ten minutes, give some Biblical insight to college life and then prays for us. We can all use some Divine intervention, right? Right.
Tuesday
The Catholic Student Center, home of the Newman Club, is a hidden gem behind the Bayou. Pretend like you are going to Gayle Hall, and keep walking down that street. There are some pretty houses to look at while you walk and soon you'll see a bunch of cars and students and you'll realize you are in the right place. Everyone is super welcoming, so bravely walk in, put your backpack at a table, and see what Sister has cookin'. While you're there, ask about the movie that they made! They serve from 11:30 a.m. to about 1 p.m.
Wednesday
Wednesday is a fun day for free lunch. It's as if free food is around every corner. The Wesley Foundation is located on Sale Road beside the softball, TPOM practice, and intramural fields. They've recently remodeled and it looks great. They even have a chess set! Nothing shouts "I'm fancy and collegiate" like chess. The Welsey serves lunch from 11 a.m to 1 p.m.
On certain Wednesdays, McNeese Athletics are in the New Ranch promoting whatever big game is coming up, and are handing out free PB&J sandwiches. It's wonderful! My recommendation is to make yourself a sandwich, put it in your backpack, go eat at the Wesley, and have your sandwich during the SGA Legislative meeting. You'll be hungry by 4 p.m. again, I promise.
On the first Wednesday of every month, the Pentecostal Student Center, or Penny Center, as it is so lovingly called, blesses McNeese students with their free lunch. It's secretly my favorite place to eat. They serve from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Not many people realize this, but they are a full menu restaurant every day! I recommend the sweet potato fries. The Pentecostal Student Center is located on Common Street, across from the parking garage.
The Chi Alpha Cafe plans to have lunch three more times this semester: October 21, November 18, and December 2. If you go in and ask for free lunch and they aren't serving, sit down anyway and make a new friend. College is the best time to practice our social skills. The Chi Alpha Cafe is located on Common Street across from the Drew Hall parking lot.
Thursday
Most students are under the impression that there is no love for the broke college kid on Thursdays. But I'm here to tell you, you are wrong! No longer must you dumpster dive outside of Einstein's or beg your friends with Cowboy Cash to pay for your meal. The BCM has delivered once more. Every Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to about 1:30 p.m. the BCM is having a Bible study called Areopagus and lunch is included. You can be fed with a sandwich and the Word of God, all in one hour. Areopagus might sound like a funny name but it has a pretty cool explanation. In Acts 17, the apostle Paul goes to Athens and addresses a group of philosophers called the Areopagus. So on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m., students have the chance to be philosophers of the Bible together.
Friday
The Episcopal Canterbury House College Ministry will begin their free lunches on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. When going to the Canterbury House, I'm more inclined to carpool with friends, but if you feel like walking, that's your prerogative. The Canterbury House, located on Bayou Road, is a comfy setting and they have a really nice back yard where students can hang out and eat. They are behind St. Michael's and All Angels Episcopal Church on Sale Road across from the K-Mart Shopping Center.
Visiting some of these places may take you out of your comfort zone, but the free food is worth it. Also, it is a super easy way to meet more students. Others may think it is rude to take food from all of these places, but in reality, they want you to take their food. These ministries and organizations are striving to provide for students, and who are we to deny them? Do your part as a student and eat the food that has been prepared for you.
