First Friday Memo - October 2025
From the desk of Jayne Wright-Velez, Executive Director
The Food Bank of Central Louisiana
October 2025 / Issue 188
Double your Impact! Now through December
The Harvest Fund has committed to match all gifts to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, up to $25,000, to help us in our fight against hunger. From now until year-end, every dollar you donate will be doubled.
Gifts may be made in two ways:
Donate on-line: www.fbcenla.org and click the “Donate Now” button
Mail a check: Food Bank of Central Louisiana / 3223 Baldwin Ave. / Alexandria, LA 71301
Rapides Regional Medical Center Wins Big and Fights Hunger
Rapides Regional Medical Center won first place in its division’s summer food drive and food sculpture contest with its “Hunger is No Day at the Beach” food sculpture made out of cereal boxes. The victory resulted in a $10,000 cash donation to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana in addition to the 2,600 pounds of cereal collected. We are grateful for the support of Rapides Regional Medical Center.
Union Pacific Foundation Feeds Families in Cenla
The Union Pacific Foundation Community Ties Giving Program invests in high-quality nonprofits that foster safe, prosperous and inclusive communities in the cities and towns where UP operates. We are so grateful that UP has awarded a Community Ties grant of $5,000 to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana to feed families in the region. For over 160 years, Union Pacific has helped Build America —serving as an economic engine and improving the quality of life for millions.
Cleco Sponsors Food Bank of Central Louisiana Event
We appreciate Cleco Corporate Foundation for sponsoring this year’s “Food for Thought” Fundraising Luncheon on October 2. The annual no-cost-to-attend event is set to spread awareness about food insecurity and inspire people to get involved in the fight against hunger in Central Louisiana. Cleco Power has a long history of philanthropic involvement across its 24-parish service territory. As a Louisiana company, Cleco Power is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities they serve.
Local Walmart Stores Support the Food Bank
We’re excited to share we received a Spark Good local grant from three local Walmart stores. The Alexandria Supercenter awarded $1,000; Walmart Neighborhood Market in Alexandria, $1,500; and Walmart Neighborhood Market in Pineville, $1,500. These grants will help provide nutritious food for food-insecure families. We are proud to spark good in our community!
Join the Food Drive at the Rapides Parish Fair
The Mighty Thomas Carnival at the Rapides Parish Fair is once again supporting the Food Bank of Central Louisiana! Bring a donation of canned goods for the Food Bank and receive an armband discount from Friday, October 10 – Sunday, October 12.
Saints Game Raffle Benefitted Five Louisiana Food Banks
Thanks to everyone who supported Feeding Louisiana by purchasing a Saints 50/50 raffle ticket at the game on September 7. Feeding Louisiana, the Louisiana Food Bank Association, supports the collaborative efforts of the state’s five regional food banks to reduce hunger and increase the resources needed for our communities to live healthy lives. Congratulations to the lucky winner who went home with $55,910. We were thrilled to raise $55,910 in support of Feeding Louisiana!
Hunters for the Hungry Provides Protein for the Food Bank
Hunters for the Hungry held their annual Freezer Day food drive. Louisiana outdoorsmen and women made room in their freezers by donating frozen meats to food banks and pantries across the state. In Central Louisiana, 297 pounds of protein were collected for our food bank!
Calvary Baptist Church of Alexandria Supports Anti-Hunger Efforts
A big thank you to Calvary Baptist Church for their donation of a $15,000 to support the Food Bank’s Senior Program. We are so grateful to Calvary Baptist Church for their many years of partnership.
