Fighting Hunger Together
This summer, the Food Bank partnered with First West Baptist Church in West Monroe and the Boys & Girls Club of North Louisiana to help feed children and families in Ouachita Parish.
Members from First West wanted to help serve children struggling with hunger during school breaks, so they contacted the Food Bank to find out what could be done. Through a joint effort, the Food Bank provided food boxes and BackPacks to kids who attended the Boys & Girls Club summer day camp.
“We were just kind of connecting the dots and putting the pieces together, so we could have a better community because we love this community,” said Woods Watson, Adult Groups Pastor at First West.
Many kids lose access to free and reduced-price meals when out of school, but thanks to generous community members like you, the Food Bank serves thousands of children and families during the summer months.
“We know that from when our kids leave the facility on Friday until they walk back in on Monday mornings, they’re being fed, and they’re being nourished,” said Tabby Truxillo, Director of Resource Development at the Boys & Girls Club.
Our community’s desire to help others is an inspiration to us all. You can help make an impact today by hosting a food drive, volunteering, or by giving at foodbanknela.org/donate.
Take Action this September
September is Hunger Action Month, a month that is dedicated to inspiring people to take action against hunger.
Many of our neighbors live paycheck to paycheck and often have to make tough choices between either paying their bills or buying the food they need. In fact, 57,810 of our neighbors, including 22,330 children, are food insecure and struggling with hunger here in Northeast Louisiana. That’s why we need your help this month to make a real and lasting impact in addressing food insecurity in our community.
Here’s How You Can Help:
Don’t forget to wear orange for hunger relief on Hunger Action Day, Friday, September 23rd, and remember to share your experience on social media using #hungeraction.
Bringing Families Together
When Jennifer began her new job as a meal delivery driver, she was eager and excited. But with the rising cost of food and gas, she’s finding it difficult to cover the cost of groceries on top of paying her bills.
With food costs increasing almost 9 percent over the last year, many of our neighbors are also struggling to pay their bills and still have enough to get the food they need to live a healthy lifestyle.
Jennifer visited our mobile pantry food distribution in Monroe this summer with her mother, Beverly. Beverly is also struggling to get the food she needs. She told us she used to be able to grab what she wanted while shopping without hesitation, but she is now having to carefully check the prices.
Jennifer and Beverly decided to turn to the Food Bank for help, and they both picked up chicken, onions, butter, and a 30-pound box of shelf stable food items at the distribution.
“It’s a blessing,” Jennifer said. “I’m just thankful there are people out there willing to help.”
Help support neighbors in our community struggling with hunger by making a gift today at foodbanknela.org/donate/.
On the Menu — Upcoming Events
Panda Express Fundraiser: September 22
Show the fundraiser flyer when dining at Panda Express in Monroe, and 20 percent of sales will go to our hunger-relief efforts! Fundraiser Flyer
Clean Out Your freezer Day: September 22-24
Clean out your freezer before the upcoming hunting season and donate frozen game and fish from your freezer to the Food Bank and help feed our neighbors in need!
Whataburger Fundraiser: September 27
Dine in or drive through Whataburger in Monroe between 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and 20 percent of sales will go to the Food Bank’s hunger-relief efforts!
35th Annual Scouting for Food Drive: November 5 – 12
Local Boy Scouts of America troops will drop off empty bags on Saturday, Nov. 5th. You can fill it with non-perishable food items and place it outside your door Saturday, Nov. 12, and the scouts will pick it up!
Camping for Cans: November 11 – 20
Our friends at Rock 106 will be camping out and collecting food donations at Catfish Charlie’s in Monroe. Help our neighbors facing hunger by dropping off non-perishable food items!
Giving Tuesday: November 29
You can participate by making a gift to the Food Bank, starting a Facebook fundraiser, volunteering, or hosting a food drive. Give online at foodbanknela.org/donate/.
2022 Christmas Cheer School Drive: November – December
The holidays are just around the corner, which means our Annual Christmas Cheer Drive is coming up! Christmas Cheer will run from November to December. As we get closer, we will need volunteers to help get ready. If you would like to help, please call 318-322-3567.
On the Menu — Upcoming Events
Panda Express Fundraiser: September 22
Show the fundraiser flyer when dining at Panda Express in Monroe, and 20 percent of sales will go to our hunger-relief efforts! Fundraiser Flyer
Clean Out Your freezer Day: September 22-24
Clean out your freezer before the upcoming hunting season and donate frozen game and fish from your freezer to the Food Bank and help feed our neighbors in need!
Whataburger Fundraiser: September 27
Dine in or drive through Whataburger in Monroe between 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and 20 percent of sales will go to the Food Bank’s hunger-relief efforts!
35th Annual Scouting for Food Drive: November 5 – 12
Local Boy Scouts of America troops will drop off empty bags on Saturday, Nov. 5th. You can fill it with non-perishable food items and place it outside your door Saturday, Nov. 12, and the scouts will pick it up!
Camping for Cans: November 11 – 20
Our friends at Rock 106 will be camping out and collecting food donations at Catfish Charlie’s in Monroe. Help our neighbors facing hunger by dropping off non-perishable food items!
Giving Tuesday: November 29
You can participate by making a gift to the Food Bank, starting a Facebook fundraiser, volunteering, or hosting a food drive. Give online at foodbanknela.org/donate/.
2022 Christmas Cheer School Drive: November – December
The holidays are just around the corner, which means our Annual Christmas Cheer Drive is coming up! Christmas Cheer will run from November to December. As we get closer, we will need volunteers to help get ready. If you would like to help, please call 318-322-3567.
Thank You Volunteers!
Our Vision is a strong, caring community that ensures no one in Northeast Louisiana goes hungry.
