Feeding Louisiana has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation (Louisiana Blue Foundation). This critical funding will support the statewide network of food banks as they continue responding to the lingering impact of reduced federal support during the recent government shutdown, higher demand for services and sustained increases in food prices.
“Louisiana’s food banks have been navigating a perfect storm: SNAP benefit uncertainty, higher food prices, increased need and tighter supplies,” said Pat R. Van Burkleo, executive director of Feeding Louisiana. “Even with November SNAP benefits restored, families are still catching up, and food banks are filling that gap every day. We are extremely grateful to Louisiana First Lady Sharon Landry and the Louisiana Department of Health, who have helped Feeding Louisiana and the food banks lead outreach efforts.”
Support from Louisiana First Lady Sharon Landry and the Louisiana Department of Health has been essential in helping families affected by SNAP reductions access accurate information and connect with food resources throughout the shutdown period and its aftermath.
“I’m so grateful for those joining us to support Louisiana families,” said First Lady Sharon Landry. “Every contribution helps meet a real need. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate Louisiana; one meal, one family and one act of kindness at a time.”
Echoing this dedication, the Louisiana Department of Health continues to work alongside partners to ensure families receive the support they need.
“I’m thankful that the Louisiana Blue Foundation and Feeding Louisiana worked together to ensure food assistance is available for those who may be struggling,” said Bruce Greenstein, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. “I’m grateful for their commitment to helping our fellow Louisianians, which will pay dividends for families as we head into the holiday season.”
Together, these efforts reflect a statewide commitment to ensuring families have access to food and resources during this critical time.
Grant Funds Will Provide Meals to Families in Need
Feeding Louisiana will distribute the Louisiana Blue Foundation grant funds among its five-member food banks across the state – Food Bank of Central Louisiana, Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana – to purchase emergency food supplies. This support will provide an estimated 1.2 million meals to help meet the increased needs among the approximately 800,000 Louisianians who rely on SNAP to feed their families.
Studies show that food insecurity is closely linked to overall health, and Louisiana faces one of the highest rates in the nation. According to America’s Health Rankings, 16.2% of Louisiana households are unable to provide food for household members due to limited resources or other constraints.
This grant builds on Louisiana Blue and its Foundation’s ongoing commitment to fight hunger in the state as part of the company’s mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians. Over the past two years, the company has provided over 988,000 meals statewide, and the Foundation has invested nearly $900,000 toward food insecurity efforts.
“Food insecurity isn’t just about hunger – it’s about health, dignity and stability for families across Louisiana. That’s why we’re proud to stand with Feeding Louisiana to get food where it’s needed most,” said Michael Tipton, president of the Louisiana Blue Foundation and vice president of Community Relations. “With SNAP benefits impacted, many Louisiana families are now facing real challenges. We want to make sure they have the support they need.”
How You Can Help Fight Hunger
Food insecurity is not a one-time challenge – it’s a year-round issue. With the upcoming holiday season and schools closing for breaks, many children and families will face hunger and need more supplies on hand. Individual Louisianians can help their neighbors by supporting local food banks and other organizations sharing food and resources with those in need.
“Volunteer Louisiana and Feeding Louisiana have a large fundraising and meal donation effort planned in January with the Million Meals for MLK campaign, but we recognize there is a challenge today. We encourage you to give now and don’t stop engaging,” Tipton added. “We’re addressing an important need in our state, and we encourage everyone – fellow funders, businesses, community leaders and individuals – to give, volunteer and engage because the need is immediate and ongoing.”
Here’s how you can help:
Donate to your local food bank or food pantry to provide meals for families in need.
Volunteer by searching for opportunities on your local food bank’s website.
Advocate by sharing resources and raising awareness about hunger in Louisiana.
Join statewide efforts like the Million Meals for MLK campaign to make a lasting impact.
About Feeding Louisiana
Feeding Louisiana: 64 parishes, 5 food banks, 1 mission. Feeding Louisiana’s mission is to be a unified voice for Louisiana's hunger by providing short-term food relief while seeking long-term solutions to hunger through advocacy, education, and leadership. Serving all 64 Louisiana parishes through more than 1,000 community partners and food pantries, the Feeding Louisiana network includes the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana. Learn more at FeedingLouisiana.org.
About the Louisiana Blue Foundation
The Louisiana Blue Foundation makes grants to improve health outcomes for Louisiana’s people. Its grant programs are particularly focused on the social determinants of health, which are the everyday circumstances that influence a person’s health.
Since 2020, the Foundation has made more than $40 million in grants to nonprofits addressing public health, COVID-19 response, and natural disasters. The Foundation also facilitates connections between the communities, leaders, and everyday people who are working to make life better for their friends, families, and neighbors. We invite you to learn more by reading our most recent annual report.