LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Highlights LSU Student’s Dedication to the Baton Rouge Community

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, recognized William “Will” Grand for turning a simple observation into a community effort that has helped feed thousands of Louisianians in need. As a junior at LSU, Will founded Giving Greek, a student-run organization that has donated more than 10,000 meals to a local Baton Rouge homeless shelter. Will is a shining example of how one person’s leadership can impact thousands. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency. Read his full July 2026 Local Spotlight below: This month’s local spotlight is William Grand. A few years ago, Will was a junior at LSU and a member of an Interfraternity Council organization. One night after getting out of a late class, he noticed something that just didn’t sit right. Regularly one of the last people at the table for dinner, he watched as trays of perfectly good food were thrown away at the end of every meal. Most people would have noticed this waste and moved on. Will didn’t. He asked a simple question: Could this food help someone else? He reached out to Baton Rouge’s St. Vincent de Paul homeless shelter to see if they would accept food donations. They welcomed the idea with open arms. Will still remembers that very first delivery. As he pulled into the parking lot, a man walked up to his car, reached into his pocket, and began counting a handful of coins. Will told him the meal was free. Then, the man asked if he could have another plate for a friend who also hadn’t eaten in days. That moment changed everything. It was a reminder that what seemed like leftovers to one person could be a lifeline to another. That single act of service turned into Giving Greek, an organization that now brings together fraternities and sororities from across LSU’s campus to rescue food that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it to neighbors in need. Today, Giving Greek has donated more than 10,000 meals to St. Vincent de Paul. But the impact hasn’t stopped there. They’ve organized toy drives for children during Christmas. They’ve handed out blankets during hard freezes. They’ve continued looking for new ways to serve their neighbors. One thing surprised Will in this journey. It wasn’t how many were in need of help. It was how many wanted to help. We often think people don’t care. But maybe they’re just waiting for someone to lead. Even after graduating from LSU, Will still helps organize volunteers each week and has passed the leadership of Giving Greek to younger students. He hopes to see the organization continue to grow at LSU and one day spread to universities across the SEC. Now he’s beginning another chapter in service of others as he pursues a career in dentistry. Something tells me that whether he’s caring for patients, leading his profession, or serving his community, he’ll keep finding ways to make Louisiana a better place– in fact, he sounds like a future Senator to me! Will, our future is in good hands with leaders like you. Thanks for all you’re doing. Background In June, Cassidy highlighted James Joseph for his volunteer work throughout Louisiana. Joseph installed tens of thousands of air conditioning units and washers and dryers to Louisiana communities in need.