In 2020-2021, the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the lives and livelihoods of people throughout the world. Decisions are being made that weigh the economic costs against the lives of people in the US, and no matter the outcome, the most vulnerable members of society continue to fare the worst. In Louisiana, our children are at the highest risk for food insecurity in the US at a rate of 32.3% or 354,000 children. Louisiana also ranks 4th in food insecurity for its entire state at a rate of 20.1%. Stated another way, 938,280 households are affected.

Recognizing the growing need has challenged us to expand our school-based food pantry program. Recently, we have added two college food pantry programs to the 8 elementary schools we support. This year, we should be approaching 30,000 snacks/meals that we will have provided to over 4,000 students. Special thanks to our partner, the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana.