How We Help

Our Mission is to Alleviate Hunger in Central Louisiana

Since 1989, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana has been providing food assistance to residents in Central Louisiana. We distribute food and grocery products to families through a network of approved charitable agencies in eleven parishes: Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon and Winn. We believe that food security is crucial to foster healthy communities.

Volunteers, donors, and staff make our day-to-day operations happen.

  • Collect

    We actively collect food donations from individuals, businesses, community partners, and federal nutrition programs.

  • Sort

    Upon receiving donations, our staff and volunteers carefully sort and categorize the collected items, ensuring their quality and suitability for distribution.

  • Distribute

    Food is then distributed directly from our food bank, mobile pantry distributions, and through our partner agencies, shelters, and community centers to individuals and families in need.

Who We Serve

The Food Bank distributes food and grocery products to our neighbors facing hunger through a network of more than 50 member agencies across 11 parishes.

In addition, we directly operate various food assistance programs for children, families, seniors, and other individuals in need.

Providing Food, Resources, & Hope

Empowering Our Neighbors

We are committed to increasing food security by helping individuals and families overcome obstacles to better health.

From gardening education through our Good Food Project to SNAP application assistance or mobile food distributions, we aim to provide individuals and families with the resources they need to lead healthier lives.

Staying Prepared

Disaster Relief & Recovery

Our Food Bank stands as a pillar of support during times of crisis, offering immediate food assistance to those affected by disaster.

We help mobilize food, volunteers, and other resources to provide help when it’s needed most.

Thank You to Our Generous Donors

Our Food Bank is able to serve more than 22,400 people every month across central Louisiana with the generous support of our individual and corporate donors.

For every $1 donated, we can provide up to 5 meals to families in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Food Bank of Central Louisiana was founded in 1989.

  • The Food Bank of Central Louisiana serves 11 parishes in Central Louisiana: Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, and Winn.

  • To be eligible for food items, one must fall within the poverty levels set by the federal government. Click here for more information about eligibility requirements.

  • You can donate online or call the Food Bank at 318-445-2773.

    You can also mail a check to the Food Bank at 3223 Baldwin Avenue, Alexandria, LA 71301.

  • Most anything that you find in your pantry would be able to be donated to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana.

    The Food Bank accepts non-perishable food items like canned vegetables and fruit, canned soup and meats, dried beans, pasta, rice, peanut butter, etc.

    Learn more about How to Give Food

  • There are many ways to get involved.

    Volunteers can sort and package canned items, pack backpacks of food for the BackPack program, deliver a food box to the home-bound, or lend your professional skills.

    Learn more about Volunteering at the Food Bank.

  • Member agencies are the links between the Food Bank and the people we feed.

    A food bank serves as a collection and warehousing center. We procure, purchase, sort and distribute food to our agencies (churches, meal sites, soup kitchens, shelters, group homes, etc.).

    We distribute food to our member agencies who interact with each person in need to ensure they receive the necessary support.

  • To become a member agency an organization must be a non-profit agency.

    Agencies interested in becoming a member agency must fill out a member agency application and be approved by the Food Bank of Central Louisiana’s board of directors.

    Please contact Jodi Belgard at the Food Bank at 318-445-2773 for more information.

  • Feeding America is a network of food banks across the United States. The Food Bank of Central Louisiana is a member of Feeding America and follows its rules and regulations.