Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, was one of the summer’s biggest box-office successes. When I watched it, I was surprised by how much I remembered from reading Homer’s epic poem in high school.

 One thing I did not remember was the repeated mention of “Zeus’ Law.” It is a central theme of the movie, so I looked it up after leaving the theater.

 Zeus’ Law refers to the ancient Greek principle of hospitality known as xenia. Its message is simple: Treat strangers and guests as you would want to be treated.  A host was expected to:

• Welcome and protect a traveler or stranger.

• Provide food, drink, and shelter before questioning them.

• Treat every guest with dignity and respect—because the stranger might be a god in disguise.

 Who knew that food banking and Zeus had so much in common?

 Louisiana’s food banks may not expect the gods of Mount Olympus to appear at their doors, but we believe every person who comes to us deserves food, hospitality, and respect.

 People seek food assistance for many reasons. A family may face an unexpected medical bill. A senior living on a fixed income may have to choose between groceries and medication. A working parent may see the household budget stretched beyond its limit. A hurricane, job loss, or other crisis can quickly place someone in an unfamiliar and vulnerable position.

 Our responsibility is not to judge why someone needs help. It is to welcome our neighbors, provide nutritious food, connect them with additional resources, and treat them with dignity.

 At Feeding Louisiana, we intentionally use the word neighbors rather than clients or recipients. The people served by Louisiana’s five regional food banks are members of our communities. They are veterans, seniors, children, working families, and people experiencing circumstances that could affect any of us.

September is Hunger Action Month, a time when people across the country come together to raise awareness and take action to end hunger. You do not have to defeat a

Cyclops, cross a dangerous sea, or embark on a 10-year journey to become a hero.

You can be a hunger hero right here in Louisiana:

• Donate to support your regional food bank.

• Volunteer at a food bank or community pantry.

• Advocate for policies and investments that strengthen access to nutritious food.

• Share information about hunger and encourage others to act.

 Nearly 3,000 years after The Odyssey was written, its message still resonates: A healthy society is measured, in part, by how it treats strangers and people in need.

 This Hunger Action Month, begin your own odyssey. Welcome your neighbors, protect their dignity, and help ensure that everyone in Louisiana has access to the food they need.

 Be a hero. Take action against hunger.

Hurricane Beulah hit South Texas on September 20, 1967. I was seven years old, just starting second grade. My older sister was entering fourth grade, and my mother was the department head of the home economics department at McAllen High School.

Neighbors brought their questions about SNAP benefits, Medicaid updates, and work requirements to our first ever SNAP Forum Facebook Live. This FREE Facebook Live conversation convened experts who helped viewers walk through key updates and answer questions in real time.

This July, our nation marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is a moment to celebrate America’s history, reflect on our shared values, and recognize the people and communities who have helped build this country generation after generation.

The legislative process can be arduous, fast-moving, and sometimes confusing. Bills change, budgets move, amendments are filed, and important decisions often happen in the final days of session. But when the 2026 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature ended on June 1, Feeding Louisiana had an important reason to celebrate.

Free summer meals are available for kids across Louisiana through SFSP, with on-site and grab-and-go options statewide

When school ends, many Louisiana children lose access to reliable meals. Feeding Louisiana highlights summer meal programs and SUN Bucks, helping families keep kids nourished while offering ways the community can support.

In today’s world, convenience matters. You can explore a home loan online in minutes, but applying for SNAP is far more complicated. This article highlights how unnecessary barriers prevent families from accessing vital food assistance and why simplifying the process is essential.

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Modern food banks are more than shelves of food—they’re full-scale operations feeding communities. This article explores why clearer language can help people appreciate and support the work behind the name.

May this season of color and renewal move us toward deeper understanding, more honest conversations, and a Louisiana where every neighbor has enough to eat.

Feeding Louisiana is exploring how “Food as Medicine” can connect nutritious food to better health, support local farmers, and strengthen communities—building practical, sustainable programs that improve health and fight food insecurity across the state.

This article highlights the importance of keeping U.S.-grown food moving from farms to families through programs like TEFAP, supporting farmers, rural economies, and communities facing hunger across Louisiana.

In partnership with First Lady Sharon Landry’s Love One Louisiana Foundation, The 1017 Project has donated a tractor-trailer load of ground beef to help support the five regional food banks serving communities across Louisiana.

March has a way of reminding us that change is in the air—literally. It’s Louisiana’s windy month, the days start stretching longer, and spring begins to show up in small but unmistakable ways: greener yards, warmer afternoons, and a little more energy in all of us.

In February, love shows up beyond cards and flowers—through shared meals, stocked groceries, and volunteers ensuring Louisiana neighbors have the food they need.

The NYT Opinion video “America, the Hungry” highlights the real-life experiences of people facing hunger, from skipped meals to constant grocery math. By centering these stories, it reveals the daily physical, emotional, and financial toll of hunger affecting millions across the U.S.

January offers a fresh start and a moment to look ahead. In 2026, Feeding Louisiana is deepening its commitment to a healthier, hunger-free state—one neighbor, parish, and partnership at a time.