First Friday Memo - April 2025
From the desk of Jayne Wright-Velez, Executive Director
April 2025 / Issue 182
Critical Shortages at the Food Bank
The Food Bank of Central Louisiana is currently facing a critical challenge as it grapples with a significant decline in both financial and food donations; while we’re serving more neighbors than ever before. As costs rise and donations fall short, we are currently having to reduce the amount of food we provide each household. In addition, while federal nutrition programs are under review by new administrative processes, the future is uncertain for programs such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which provides food to food banks; and SNAP, the nationwide nutrition assistance program. Community support is more crucial than ever to ensure the Food Bank can continue its mission of alleviating hunger in Central Louisiana. We appreciate your continued partnership in the cause.
April 30 is Anti-Hunger Day at the Capitol
Join Feeding Louisiana and the Louisiana Anti-Hunger Coalition in Baton Rouge on April 30 for Anti-Hunger Day. Help to amplify the voices of food-insecure people and educate state lawmakers about the status of food insecurity across Louisiana. The event begins at 9 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda and will end at 3 p.m. after Committee Meetings. Learn more and register at feedinglouisiana.org.
NextEra Energy Gives Back in Concordia Parish
NextEra Energy believes in being a good neighbor in the communities where they operate. In that spirit, they have made a gift to help with food distributions in Concordia Parish. We appreciate their support for Food Bank programs.
National Volunteer Week is April 20-26: Commemorating 50 Years!
Since 1974, National Volunteer Week has recognized the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world. Each year, we shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve, recognizing and thanking volunteers who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities.
Kroger Supports Ending Hunger
The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation has awarded the Food Bank of Central Louisiana an award of $50,000. The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation exists to support nonprofit organizations, social entrepreneurs and creative thinkers who are focused on improving food security, ending food waste and more. The foundation cares for their communities one meal at a time.
Now Recruiting for the Food Bank’s Summer AmeriCorps Team
When you choose to serve with AmeriCorps, you join a network of people and organizations dedicated to strengthening communities and making a difference. The program is especially great for students. In addition to a bi-weekly stipend, members earn an education award at the end of their service term. What else? No weekends and no night shifts. Full-time and part-time slots are available. Must be at least 17 years of age to serve. Summer AmeriCorps members at the Food Bank start on May 12 and complete service on August 14. Snap the QR code for more information and to apply today.
Feeding America Unites Donors to Feed Children
Feeding America’s Multi-Donor Child and Family Feeding Grant brought together the Enterprise Mobility Foundation and the Ingerman Family Foundation. Together, they have awarded a grant totaling $35,000 to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana in support of Child and Family Feeding programs. We appreciate these donors’ commitment to support families in a region where more than one in four CENLA children don’t have enough to eat.
Walmart and Sam’s Club Wrap up Fight Hunger. Spark Change.
Thank you, Walmart and Sam’s Club; and thanks to everyone who participated in their Fight Hunger. Spark Change. fundraising campaign by donating in stores or online, or by purchasing specially marked items from participating suppliers. All donations stay local to help feed neighbors at home in Central Louisiana.
Earth Day is April 22
Food waste makes up a whopping 24% of landfills in the United States! This Earth Day, commit to reducing food waste at home. Here are some tips to get started:
Organize your fridge and pantry. Food is less likely to go bad when you use perishable and older items first. Make sure you can always see what foods to use first.
Love your leftovers! Consider having a weekly “leftover night” at home. Or freeze uneaten portions for heat-and-eat lunches. Or search online for recipes that use leftovers to make something new. Be creative!
Compost. Uneaten food may be turned into fertilizer for your lawn or garden. Not sure how to get started? Contact our Good Food Project for more information.
Donate your extra food. Whether it’s a few cans of soup from your pantry, or you grew too many tomatoes in the garden, or you ended up with trays of leftovers from a party, food pantries and soup kitchens are always taking food donations to help people in need.
