First Friday Memo - December 2025
From the desk of Jayne Wright-Velez, Executive Director
The Food Bank of Central Louisiana
December 2025 / Issue 190Food Shortage Continues at the Food Bank
All this year, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana has been operating with a food shortage. Many issues happening all at once in 2025 have led to the current crisis. Supply chain disruptions, changes in federal priorities, high food costs, and reduced corporate food donations all mean that less food is being donated. At the same time, more and more people are in need of nutrition assistance as the cost of living squeezes family budgets.
The government shutdown that caused federal employees to miss paychecks starting in October, and the pause in SNAP benefits in November, created a surge in demand for food bank services. Our already sparsely stocked warehouse was nearly emptied. Some very generous emergency grants enabled new food orders to keep our programs operating. However, the Holidays are the food bank’s busiest season, so all of that food (and more) will be distributed as soon as it arrives.
The Food Bank of Central Louisiana typically provides food for about 12,000 households (more than 26,000 individuals) each month. Families who depend on our programs are receiving less food, with limited variety as the crisis continues. Hunger won’t stop for us to catch up – our shelves empty as soon as they are filled. It will take months to return to pre-shutdown inventory, and even longer to overcome the food bank’s ongoing food shortage.
Calling Attention to Holiday Food Insecurity
For many people facing hunger, the Holiday season can highlight the stark contrast between those who can afford a festive meal and those who struggle to put food on the table. While financial stress affects low-income families year-round, it is more intense during the holidays. Many of our neighbors are faced with the impossible decisions of whether to pay for heat or buy groceries; whether to put presents under the tree or put dinner on the table. We are so grateful for all of the donors, volunteers, and supporters who are helping make the holidays a little merrier for neighbors facing food insecurity this year.
Three Ways to Help the Food Bank While You Shop Online
Walmart Spark Good: Visit https://www.walmart.com/sparkgood, search for the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, and set us as your charity. The next time you shop at Walmart online, you can round up your total at checkout or donate products from our registry.
ShopRaise: Create an account at https://shopraise.com and set the Food Bank of Central Louisiana as your charity. Shop on the app at hundreds of retailers who donate up to 10% of your purchase – at no cost to you.
iGive: Create an account at https://www.igive.com and set the Food Bank of Central Louisiana as your charity. In addition to retailers on the app donating a percentage of your purchases, iGive has tools to help you promote your cause and inspire others.
Scouting for Food Helps Central Louisiana Families
The Boy Scouts Louisiana Purchase Council held their annual “Scouting for Food” drive on November 8. Scouts collected 2,605 pounds of canned goods for the Food Bank. That’s more than 2,170 meals for people in need! Thanks to everyone who donated food, and thanks to the scouts for continuing to Scout for Food every year.
Donors Step Up During Government Shutdown
Individuals and organizations provided emergency donations to help the Food Bank meet increased demand while the government was shut down. We are so grateful for these organizations that have made emergency funding available to help.
The Rapides Foundation awarded an emergency grant to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana to help meet increased food demands during the federal shutdown. The funding enabled the purchase food for neighbors served by the food bank, as well as the government employees and military families in need of food assistance due to loss of income.
Feeding America granted the Food Bank of Central Louisiana funding to support the response to government shutdown. Funds were designated toward expenses related to increased food sourcing and distribution for federal employees and others affected by the shutdown.
Love One Louisiana Foundation, in partnership with Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, made a combined grant to the five regional Louisiana food banks – including the Food Bank of Central Louisiana – to help bridge the gap for those who lost SNAP benefits.
Louisiana Baptist Foundation made a gift to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana to help mitigate the surge in demand at the Food Bank when SNAP benefits were suspended.
Drax showed their commitment to giving back in the community where they do business by donating funds toward food purchases during the government shutdown.
NextEra Energy provided funding to purchase food to meet the increased demand to ensure food-insecure neighbors received help.
CHRISTUS St. Francis Cabrini Hospital made a donation to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana to help during the time of uncertainty caused by the federal shutdown.
Last Chance to DOUBLE your impact in 2025
The Harvest Fund will match all donations to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, up to $25,000, to help us in our fight against hunger. Give now through December 31 to double your impact.
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
