First Friday Memo - November 2025
From the desk of Jayne Wright-Velez, Executive Director
The Food Bank of Central Louisiana
November 2025 / Issue 189When the federal government shuts down, uncertainty takes hold right away.
Since October 15, many federal employees started missing paychecks because Congress did not act to reopen the government. Workers employed by federal contractors are also facing income disruptions. Missed paychecks make it difficult for families to afford the food they need to thrive and keep up with essential household expenses. As a result, hardworking individuals are turning to their local food banks to help put food on the table until stability returns.
USDA has announced that SNAP benefits would not be funded as part of the government shutdown. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency, requesting that the legislature fund SNAP for elderly, disabled, and families with children. This leaves a gap of more than 200,000 households that will not receive SNAP benefits.
During times of disruption, food banks, pantries and meal programs are trusted community resources. But it takes all of us standing united—lawmakers, local businesses, faith and community organizations, and individuals.
That collective support has never been more important. We’re seeing the need grow every day. Our shelves are stretched thin, and we’ve had to reduce the size of food packages because we have less food to share when more people need help. Please give now to help feed our neighbors in need. Every dollar makes a real, immediate impact.
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
CHRISTUS Health Celebrates Healing Hands
The Food Bank of Central Louisiana was honored to be invited to participate in CHRISTUS Health’s Healing Hands Ceremony on October 23rd at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. We were grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our partnership and receive a blessing of the hands at this very special gathering.
Laffin Trust Supports Mobile Pantries
The John and Maria Laffin Trust has awarded a grant of $6,396 to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana in support of the Mobile Pantry Program. These funds will provide much needed food for neighbors in rural communities across the region.
The Christmas Cheer Food Drive is underway!
Schools in Avoyelles, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides and Vernon Parishes are collecting food donations for the Food Bank through the first week of December. Students at participating schools are asked to bring in non-perishable food items to their school. The elementary school, junior high and high school in each parish that collects the most food will receive a cash award from the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe.
Rapides Parish Fairgoers Participated in Annual Food Drive
The Rapides Parish Fair gave armband discounts for the Mighty Thomas Carnival to anyone who brought canned goods to donate to the Food Bank at admission. The food drive collected 2,020 pounds over the Fair weekend.
CPKC Holiday Train to Stop in Cenla on December 3
The 2025 CPKC Holiday Train will tour Canada and the U.S. Nov. 19 through Dec. 21, raising money, food and awareness to support food banks across its rail network. Since its inaugural journey in 1999, the CPKC Holiday Train has raised more than $26 million and collected 5.4 million pounds of food for food banks in Canada and the U.S.
The 2025 Holiday Train is scheduled to make two stops in Central Louisiana on December 3rd. Dylan Marlowe will play a free concert from the train’s stage at each stop. The event is free to the public and the Food Bank of Central Louisiana will be on-site to accept food and cash donations.
Pineville: CPKC railway crossing at Melrose Street & Wadley Street at 4:45 PM
Simmesport: 15747 State Hwy LA-1, adjacent to the memorial caboose display at 2:15 PM
Healthy Blue Supports Food for Cenla Neighbors
We are deeply grateful to Healthy Blue Louisiana for their gift of $12,000 to support the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. This funding will help us provide critical food to food-insecure neighbors across our communities.
Giving Tuesday is December 2
Giving Tuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of Radical Generosity around the world, reimagining a world built on shared humanity. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.
