How We Help the Community

The Food Bank of Central Louisiana is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to alleviate hunger in Central Louisiana. We distribute food and grocery products to needy families through a network of approved charitable agencies in eleven parishes: Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon and Winn.

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To be eligible for food items, one must fall within the poverty levels set by the federal government. Food is channeled through more than 104 member agencies including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other nonprofit organizations.

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The BackPack Program is designed to meet the needs of hungry children at times when other resources are not available, such as weekends and school vacations.

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The Senior Program is designed to assist seniors stretch their budgets. Approximately 50 pounds of food per month is given to each individual. The Food Bank's Senior Program currently serves more than 1,100 seniors in the Central Louisiana area.

 

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.

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The School Food Pantry Program plays a crucial role in providing children and their families with access to food for preparation at home when other resources such and free and reduced price school meals are not available. 

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Mobile Pantry Programs allows the Food Bank to provide a forum for education programs emphasizing healthy eating during mobile pantry distributions. The Mobile Pantry Program meets the unique needs of the Food Bank's rural and underserved communities by offering services in their area and providing client access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

Member Agencies are located in the following parishes:  Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, and Winn.

 

Just knowing the scope of hunger is the first step! There are many ways that you can help...

 

• Make a donation
  Donations to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana come in a variety of ways. We accept checks as well as planned gifts. You may also want to remember the Food Bank in your will.
   

• Volunteer in the community
  There are many ways to get involved. Volunteers sort and package canned items, serve food at a soup kitchen, help at a pantry, deliver a food box to the home-bound, or lend your professional skills. Call the Food Bank to find out about specific opportunities.
   

• Donate food and grocery products
  Donate needed items at community food drives or take the lead and organize your own. Contact the Food Bank at (318) 445-2773 to help you get started.
   

• Support policies to end hunger
  Send a letter to the editor of your local paper. Tell your friends, family and coworkers about the issue so they can spread the word. We can end hunger in Central Louisiana and America if we all work together!