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.
We are proud to announce that Feeding Louisiana received a $4.6 million appropriation to purchase Louisiana-grown produce and protein from Louisiana farmers, ranchers, and food producers.
This investment will directly support Louisiana’s five regional food banks as they provide fresh, nutritious food to neighbors facing hunger in every parish of the state.
For Feeding Louisiana, this appropriation represents more than a budget line. It is a practical, Louisiana-based solution to two urgent needs: strengthening food access for families and creating new markets for local farmers and producers.
Too often, food banks are asked to meet rising community need while facing unpredictable food supplies and increasing costs. At the same time, many Louisiana farmers and producers need reliable local buyers to help sustain and grow their operations. This funding helps connect those two needs.
Through this appropriation, Feeding Louisiana will work with the state’s five regional food banks to purchase fresh produce and protein grown or produced in Louisiana. Those foods will then move through the statewide food bank network and reach children, seniors, working families, veterans, and individuals who need additional support.
The benefits are clear:
More fresh and nutritious food for Louisiana families.
More state dollars staying in Louisiana.
More support for local farmers, ranchers, and food producers.
A stronger connection between Louisiana agriculture and Louisiana communities.
A healthier, more resilient food bank network.
We are especially grateful to the legislators who listened, asked thoughtful questions, and recognized that hunger relief and local agriculture are not separate issues. They are deeply connected. When Louisiana invests in its farmers and food banks, Louisiana families benefit.
We also thank our five regional food banks, their CEOs, staff, volunteers, farmers, partners, and advocates who helped make the case for this investment. Their work every day demonstrates why fresh food access matters and why local purchasing can be a smart, accountable, and effective strategy.
This appropriation will not solve hunger by itself. But it is a meaningful step forward. It reflects a growing understanding that food security, public health, agriculture, and economic development are all connected.
Feeding Louisiana will continue working with state leaders, farmers, producers, and community partners to ensure these dollars are used effectively and responsibly. Our goal is simple: move more Louisiana-grown food to Louisiana families.
Together, we can strengthen our farms, support our food banks, and help make Louisiana healthier.
Pat R. Van Burkleo, Executive Director