Unlikely Partners Provide Hunger Relief in Allen Parish
Since the inception of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, the organization has relied on partners who help distribute food across the 11-parish service area. These partners are often churches, schools, and non-profit organizations, but in Allen Parish a partnership was secured between two unlikely allies: the Food Bank of Central Louisiana and the Allen Parish Tourism Commission. What began as separate missions to serve their communities would soon intertwine, creating a powerful force for good.
After the partnership with a local church ended due to the church closing, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana’s mobile food pantry team was looking for a new location for the distribution in Oberlin. Adagria, executive director of the tourism commission, learned the Food Bank was looking for a distribution site, and reached out and offered their parking lot and building as a new location.
Brenda, an employee and advocate for Allen Parish tourism, has always been deeply connected to her community. After many years of living and working in Allen Parish, she knew all about the wonderful places to visit, restaurants with great food, and history to discover. But in addition to all the good, Brenda understood the hardships faced by many families and seniors in Allen Parish.
"I know of so many families who are not financially stable and struggle to feed their families," Brenda stated with concern. "There are also many seniors in this community who rely on this mobile pantry program."
The Tourism Commission continues to promote the Food Bank's initiatives through their channels, and they also answer questions for Oberlin residents who call and ask about the mobile distributions. The compassion the team at the Allen Parish Tourism Commission has for the people in their community is obvious.
With each passing month, the impact of this partnership is evident. Families are receiving nourishing meals, seniors find comfort in knowing they are not forgotten, and the community rallies around a shared mission of compassion and support.
