Baton Rouge, LA, June 15, 2018 - Hunger is a critical issue in Louisiana, impacting individuals and families in every corner of the state. More than 783,000 Louisianans face the daily threat of food insecurity, uncertain from where or when their next meal might come. Included in that number are more than 250,000 Louisiana children, whose educational achievement, mental and physical development, and overall health and well-being depend greatly on access to nutritious food.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) represents our state’s and nation’s most robust tool in the fight against hunger. Its resources help countless Louisiana families navigate unexpected hard times, such as economic downturn or the disastrous floods across large portions of the state in 2016. The loss of this important program would be a devastating blow to Louisianans in all walks of life, but especially harsh on our most vulnerable seniors, children, and those in rural areas where hunger is most stark.
As members of Feeding Louisiana, Louisiana’s five regional food banks and their network of partner agencies, including churches, senior centers, and other community organizations, serve in the fight against hunger in all 64 parishes of the state. Combined, Louisiana food banks distribute more than 52 million meals annually.
The need is great. And it demands a larger network of partners, including not-for-profit organizations, private businesses, and government, collaborating to address hunger in our communities. We encourage our elected officials and leaders to work together in crafting a budget solution that will ensure the continued vitality of SNAP well into the future.
Feeding Louisiana:
Feeding Louisiana provides a unified voice for Louisiana's hungry by providing short-term food relief while seeking long-term solutions to hunger through advocacy, education, and leadership. Feeding Louisiana is made up of the five Feeding America member food banks in Louisiana, serving all 64 parishes through a network of more than 900 community and faith-based organizations.