First Friday Memo - April 2026
From the desk of Jayne Wright-Velez, Executive Director
The Food Bank of Central Louisiana
April 2026 / Issue 194
Walmart and Sam’s Club Fight Hunger.
Spark Change: April 6-May 5
Walmart and Sam’s Club are celebrating 13 years of the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. Campaign, where they invite customers, members, and suppliers to join in the fight against hunger. To date, the campaign has helped generate more than $227 million for Feeding America® and local food banks across the country, helping to secure more than 2.3 billion meals* for people facing hunger.
It’s easy to participate. Donations can be made at the register, or when checking out online. Or look for the specially marked products from 25 Walmart and Sam’s Club suppliers.
For every participating product purchased in store or online at Walmart.com or SamsClub.com, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent of at least one meal ($0.10) at Walmart and five meals ($0.50) at Sam’s Club.
At the register: Cashiers will ask customers to donate at check-out in stores or clubs. Donations can be made for $1, $5 or an amount chosen by the customer/member. Customers/members can also choose to round-up their purchase to the nearest dollar.
Self-Checkout: A prompt will ask, “Will you donate to fight hunger?” when a customer/member selects “Finish & Pay.” Donations can be made in $1, $5 or an amount chosen by the customer/member. Customers/members can also choose to round-up their purchase to the nearest dollar.
Online: Customers can round up their purchase on Walmart.com and the Walmart app.
Donations stay local. Purchases and donations made in-store or online are tied to zip codes and go to the local Feeding America® partner food bank in that community.
Enterprise Helps Feed Cenla Seniors
In 2016, the Enterprise Mobility Foundation announced one of their largest donations aimed at fighting hunger. The program – called Fill Your Tank – celebrated the company’s 60th anniversary by providing $60 million to address food insecurity around the globe. Feeding America is honored to be one of the primary recipients, receiving funding to support both national and local initiatives related to senior and childhood hunger.
Since this initial commitment, Enterprise Mobility Foundation has renewed and expanded their support through 2030, bringing their total commitment to the Feeding America network to more than $50 million dollars. Enterprise’s gift will support initiatives related to Senior Hunger, Child Hunger, and Improving Neighbor Experience. Enterprise also supports the Feeding America food bank network through local grants and employee engagement. We are grateful for the $35,280 in grant funding to support our Senior Nutrition Program.
April is National Volunteer Month
Held in April every year, National Volunteer Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of volunteers. It is an opportunity to join the impact of volunteerism and encourage more people to get involved in their communities. This is a great month to reaffirm your commitment to giving back.
Looking for a volunteer opportunity?
The Points of Light Foundation posts many opportunities: https://engage.pointsoflight.org
Find volunteer positions with federal agencies: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/
Volunteer at the Food Bank of Central Louisiana: Call Carole at 318-445-2773.
The Courage Project Recognizes the Food Bank
The Food Bank of Central Louisiana was recently recognized by The Courage Project. We were nominated for our work in response to the late-2025 federal shutdown, expanding food purchases and distributions, helping residents access benefits and resources, and mobilizing additional funding, delivering immediate relief to thousands of households while strengthening the region’s food safety net.
AmeriHealth Caritas Supports the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
Save the date for the 2026 Stamp Out Hunger food drive on Saturday, May 9! Since launching in 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive, helping to fill the shelves of food banks in cities and towns throughout the United States. Thanks to AmeriHealth Caritas for making this year’s drive possible with a generous sponsorship! To participate, leave a bag of non-perishable food next to your mailbox on May 9 for your letter carrier to pick up
Round Up at Ollie’s through April 11 to Help Fight Hunger
To donate to our 2026 fundraising campaign, simply round up your change at checkout between March 8th and April 11th. Round up today & help us in the fight to end hunger in our communities! 100% of funds raised are distributed to local food banks based on the store location.
