The Food Bank of Central Louisiana Harnesses Collective Action this Hunger Action Month

Throughout history, people in America have united to drive change. This September, during Hunger Action Month, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana is calling on our community to come together once again to end hunger in America.

 “People across the country have demonstrated immense care for their neighbors in crisis time and time again, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “Ending the hunger crisis in America is no different. When we all work together, alongside our neighbors facing hunger, we can find solutions to ensure that everyone has the food they need to thrive. This Hunger Action Month, our hope for the nation is to start building this new reality together, through unified action toward a shared vision of a hunger free America.”

Food insecurity in America has reached its highest rate in over a decade, reaching over 47 million people facing hunger, including 14 million children. Of the communities the Food Bank of Central Louisiana serves, we see food insecurity range from a low of 16% in LaSalle Parish and a high of 23.6% in Concordia Parish.  Across the Food Bank’s 11-parish service area, more than 71,000 people lack enough food to live an active, healthy life.

 With the largest cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in history now signed into law, food and health care will soon be further out of reach for millions of people, including children. Hunger in America is a crisis—and together, we can meet this moment.

 People can get involved locally by donating at fbcenla.org. During the month of September, CN Rail will match all donations, up to $10,000. A few other ways to help include:

 ·         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 work together; 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 facebook.com/Foodbankofcentrallouisiana or hungeractionmonth.org.