The Food Bank of Central Louisiana Celebrates AmeriCorps Week

National service agency dedicates March 12-18 to recognize AmeriCorps members, alumni, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers for uniting in service every year

The Food Bank of Central Louisiana will celebrate the valuable contributions of AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who pledged to “get things done” for our nation as part of the annual AmeriCorps Week. The weeklong celebration also honors the contributions and support of thousands of local organizations that make AmeriCorps programs possible.

At the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, approximately 15 AmeriCorps members serve each year. The Food Bank of Central Louisiana’s AmeriCorps members support the organization’s Mobile Pantry Program.

The Mobile Pantry Program sends food and groceries into communities where other services are few or do not exist. In many rural, underserved communities, the Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry Program is the only option for residents to access charitable food assistance on a regular and dependable schedule.

“We are proud to be part of AmeriCorps and grateful for the AmeriCorps members who unite to get things done and make change for Louisiana,” said Jayne Wright-Velez, executive director of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. “AmeriCorps members have made a significant impact on our ability to meet our communities’ unique needs through their work with our Mobile Pantry Program.”

AmeriCorps engages more than 200,000 Americans each year in sustained, results-driven service through AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs. These dedicated citizens from all walks of life help communities rebuild after disasters, ensure students get back on track after the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions, combat hunger and homelessness, fight the opioid epidemic, help seniors live independently, support veterans and military families, and much more.

In 2022, President Biden called upon Americans to unite through national service and volunteerism to counter the corrosive effects of hate-fueled violence on our democracy and public safety and put forward a shared vision for a more united America. Through service, Americans are stepping up to build unity, engage with their communities and foster a sense of constructive action, civic participation, and belonging.

More than 1.25 million Americans have served their country through AmeriCorps and millions more have served in AmeriCorps Seniors since 1994, leaving a lasting impact on generations of Americans.

To join the celebration, follow @AmeriCorps on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. To join the conversation, share pictures and stories on Twitter, using #AmeriCorpsWeek. Learn more about AmeriCorps opportunities at AmeriCorps.gov/join.

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The Food Bank of Central Louisiana is a non-profit organization whose mission is to alleviate hunger in central Louisiana. The Food Bank distributes food and grocery products to needy families through a network of approved charitable agencies in the following eleven parishes: Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon and Winn. The Food Bank’s AmeriCorps Program is supported by a grant from the Volunteer Louisiana Commission in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service.