First Friday Memo - September 2026

From the desk of Jayne Wright-Velez, Executive Director

The Food Bank of Central Louisiana‍ ‍

September 2026 / Issue 199

Mark your Calendar for the Food Bank of Central Louisiana

Food for Thought Fundraising Luncheon

Please join us at The Food Bank of Central Louisiana’s “Food for Thought” luncheon. This event is designed to share more about the

Food Bank’s mission and programs. While it is a fundraiser, there’s no minimum or maximum gift required—and no pressure to give. The luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 1, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. at The Pentecostals of Alexandria’s Event Center, 701 Veterans Drive.  Please RSVP to Linda at 318-445-2773.

Want to do more? Consider serving as a Table Captain for the event. As a Table Captain, your role is simple but impactful: invite five guests to sit at your table (six total, including you). These can be friends, coworkers, family members, or neighbors—anyone you feel would be interested in learning more about our mission. Contact Linda to learn more about this important role.

A big thanks to CLECO for sponsoring the event again this year!

September is Hunger Action Month

This September, during Hunger Action Month, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana is joining the nationwide Feeding America network in calling on our communities to Play Your Part. As the cost of essentials like groceries and energy continue to put pressure on household budgets, everyone can take action to help

ensure their neighbors have access to the food they need to thrive. This Hunger Action Month, we're asking everyone to show up for their neighbors facing hunger and play their part. Whether you give, volunteer, speak up or support your community in another way, your action matters.

Advocacy Efforts Help Louisiana Food Banks

We extend our appreciation to Governor Jeff Landry and the members of the Louisiana Legislature for their leadership and support of Feeding Louisiana’s request for a $4.6 million state allocation to enable Louisiana’s five regional food banks to purchase fresh produce and protein from Louisiana farmers and producers. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and commitment to improving the health and well-being of communities across our state while supporting Louisiana agriculture.

American Airlines Supports the Food Bank

We are grateful to American Airlines for their gift of 50,000 airline miles to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. Through the Miles for Social Good program, American Airlines supports organizations committed to ending hunger — helping ensure everyone has the food they need to thrive.

Feeding America Releases New “Map the Meal Gap” Study

According to the latest data available from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, 48 million people, including more than 14 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest level since 2014. In the communities served by the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, we see overall food insecurity range from a low of 18.3% in LaSalle Parish to a high of 24.8% in Vernon Parish. Among children the situation is worse, with an average of 30% of kids – about one in three – across Central Louisiana without enough to eat. Learn details about food insecurity in your community at https://map.feedingamerica.org/.

Rapides Regional Medical Center Fights Hunger

Rapides Regional Medical Center won third place in its division’s summer food drive and food sculpture contest. The victory resulted in a $3,000 cash donation to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana in addition to the 3,517 pounds of non-perishable food collected. We are grateful for the support of Rapides Regional Medical Center.

Brookshire’s Shows Compassion in Action

Brookshire’s Grocery Company’s Compassion in Action campaign raised $5,468.75 in store gift cards donated to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. BGC’s mission is to create and deliver exceptional experiences and value to their customers through the W. T. Brookshire Way. We are thankful for their commitment to alleviating hunger in the communities where they do business.

Volunteer Groups Made a Big Difference This Summer

A huge thanks to all the organizations, clubs, businesses, churches, and groups that provided teams of volunteers to sort and pack food this summer at the Food Bank. From June through August, 13 volunteer groups endured the heat for the cause. A shout-out to C&R Mentors, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Central Lafourche High School FFA, First Christian Church, Haysville United Methodist Church , Jena Church of Christ, Menard Junior High School Football, MFUGE Camps, Optum, Our Lady of Sorrow Community Home, Pineville Church of Christ, RoyOMartin Interns, and VFW & Auxiliary Post 1736.

Schedule your group to volunteer – any time of year – by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator, Carole Stafford, at 318-445-2773 or cstafford@fbcenla.org.