The Mission of The Food Bank of Central Louisiana

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As a program of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, we share the mission: 

To Alleviate Hunger in Central Louisiana.

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The Good Food Project Vision

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The Good Food Project is a model community garden that envisions a healthy Cenla in which all children grow up with an awareness of and access to nutritious food. Through education and community partnership, The Good Food Project works to connect children with healthier food options, healthier behaviors, and improved health outcomes.

Because A Healthy Life is a Happy Life!

 

 

Our History

 

An earnest desire by the management of Keller Enterprises to provide fresh, high-quality produce, reconnect people to the food they eat, educate them about good nutrition and sustainable garden practices and establish a boundary-free sense of community is the seed from which The Good Food Project sprouted.

 

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Keller Enterprises, an Alexandria-based agricultural company with nationwide interests, made a substantial gift through the Central Louisiana Community Foundation to fund the initial years of the project.  With continuing support and input from Keller Enterprises, The Food Bank of Central Louisiana administers the Good Food Project.

Started in September 2011, the Good Food Project establishes and supports community organic gardens and nutrition education programs across the Food Bank's 11 parish service region.  There are only a few food banks in the United States that have a gardening program to help their clients in learning to grow their own food.

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"Community gardens thrive in cities across the United States, and they make good sense for Central Louisiana," - Elisabeth Keller, of Keller Enterprises

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The Good Food Project began with a 1/3 acre demonstration garden as part of the Food Bank complex.  Here, gardeners of various ages and experience levels take classes, learn about and view different organic garden options, and can volunteer to cultivate, plant and harvest fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs that are distributed to Food Bank clients or local non-profits that serve food to the needy.

 

Since its start, The Good Food Project's impact has expanded from the demonstration garden to its current support and/or maintenance of more than 75 active school and community garden program sites in the parishes served by the Food Bank. The Project currently impacts over 17,660 children and adults.  These programs teach sustainable gardening, nutrition, and healthy eating options, while providing fresh produce for participants.

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