The Food Bank of Central Louisiana calls on Central Louisiana to Play Your Part this Hunger Action Month
September, during Hunger Action Month, The Food Bank of Central Louisiana is joining the nationwide Feeding America network in calling on Central Louisiana 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.
"Together we can end hunger," said Denis McDonough, CEO of Feeding America. "It takes people looking out for each other, especially now, as so many families are navigating difficult tradeoffs necessitated by high food prices. 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. When neighbors care for neighbors, we strengthen our communities."
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. Of the communities The Food Bank of Central Louisiana serves, we see food insecurity range from a low of 18.3% in LaSalle Parish to a high of 24.8% in Vernon Parish. Across The Food Bank of Central Louisiana’s 11-parish service area, 80,000 people live in food insecure households.
Hunger Action Day falls on September 29, when Feeding America will release the 2026 Elevating Voices: Insights Report, an annual, nationally representative survey of the experiences, concerns and policy views of people facing hunger in the United States.
People can get involved locally by donating at https://www.fbcenla.org/?form=donate or through the actions below:
· Schedule time to volunteer at the Food Bank or your local food pantry.
· Stop by the Food Bank of Central Louisiana for a tour and learn more about the organization
· Host a virtual food drive. Money raised will allow the Food Bank of Central Louisiana to purchase additional food to help feed those facing hunger. Visit the website at https://www.fbcenla.org/virtual-food-drive for more information.
“No one should have to face hunger, yet thousands of people across Central Louisiana do – including children, seniors, and veterans. Let’s build a community of committed individuals to end hunger across the nation. If we all do our part; we have the power to set things right,” said Jayne Wright-Velez, executive director of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana.
Learn more about how you can take action by visiting hungeractionmonth.org
