FUELING OUR FUTURE:LOUISIANA FOOD BANKS LAUNCH HISTORIC SUMMER FEEDING EFFORT
When school lets out for the summer, too many children lose access to the meals they count on during the school year. For many families, summer can mean higher grocery bills, tighter budgets, and harder choices.
Louisiana’s food banks are stepping up in a powerful way.
This summer marks the largest participation in summer feeding initiatives in Louisiana’s history. Across the state, food banks are helping make sure children and teens have access to nutritious meals when school cafeterias are closed.
Together, four participating food banks are supporting 132 summer feeding sites across Louisiana. These sites are more than meal locations. They are places of care, stability, and hope for children and families during the summer months.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana
Second Harvest is leading a major regional effort, operating 100 summer feeding sites across 23 parishes. Programs officially began on June 1, helping children throughout South Louisiana stay nourished and healthy all summer long. Families can find more information on the Second Harvest Summer Feeding Page.
Food Bank of Central Louisiana
In Central Louisiana, 15 active summer feeding sites began serving meals on June 1. These sites are helping ensure children in the region continue to have access to dependable, nutritious food while school is out. Families can find site locations by visiting the Food Bank of Central Louisiana website.
Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank is working to reach children in rural and harder-to-reach communities through 13 tentative non-congregate sites, pending final approval from the Louisiana Department of Education. Non-congregate sites allow families to pick up meals and take them home, making access easier for children who may not live near a traditional summer meal site. Updates will be available through the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.
Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana
The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana is serving children through four summer feeding sites, including one non-congregate meal pickup site and three traditional congregate meal sites where children can eat on location. Families can learn more by visiting the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana Programs Page.
Find a Summer Meal Site Near You
Free summer meals are available for children 18 and under at approved sites across Louisiana. Families can find a nearby location by visiting: www.louisianafitkids.com.
No child should go hungry simply because school is out. This summer, Louisiana’s food banks are working together to fuel our children’s health, learning, and future.
Please help spread the word. Share this information with neighbors, friends, churches, schools, and community partners. Together, we can make sure every child has access to healthy food this summer.