Quarterly Newsletter - Feeding Futures (January 2024)
A Look at What We've Achieved Together
In 2023 we expanded our programs and outreach to tackle hunger in our state with help from supporters like you. With this growth comes added responsibility to ensure that no Louisianan goes to bed hungry at night. Our collective efforts are making an impact on communities throughout the state, and we're grateful for the support from our donors, partnering agencies, and member food banks.
Take a look at the impact we made together in 2023:
Upcoming Day of Advocacy
Join us for a day at the Capitol building in Baton Rouge! This event is hosted by Feeding Louisiana and the Louisiana Anti-Hunger Coalition on Wednesday, March 20. We will raise awareness of critical anti-hunger programs and initiatives and engage in discussions about hunger in our state with legislators.
Registration closes March 1, 2024.
Make a Difference This Tax Season
Consider making a contribution to Feeding Louisiana when you file your taxes this year. Look for item #8 "Louisiana Food Bank Association" on Schedule D of Form IT-540. Marking this line item will help feed families throughout our state.
Thank you for your support!
Nourish Louisiana's Statewide Impact
As of December 31, 2023, Nourish Louisiana has invested in local producers across the state to provide fresh, local food to our communities facing food insecurity. Food such as squash, lettuce, potatoes, greens, rice, shrimp, eggs, okra, eggplant, onions, crawfish, and cabbage has been purchased from 21 different parishes and distributed to 62 parishes. Feeding Louisiana oversees Nourish Louisiana, and we're excited to see the impact this grant is having so far along with planning for an even stronger year ahead.
Meet Our Newest Staff Members
Jessica brings more than seven years of food banking experience to her role at Feeding Louisiana. She left the for-profit world to find purpose and started as an intern at the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana in January of 2016. While working at the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana she became acquainted with the Nourish Louisiana project and became very passionate about the role it plays in supporting local agriculture while helping provide fresh local food to those who struggle with hunger in Louisiana. Her goal is to grow the program and see that it continues in the future.
As a native Texan and Army Veteran, Keithan Ivey brings a unique blend of discipline and compassion to the field of community relations within Feeding Louisiana. In college, he worked with people with special needs and children under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services which has equipped him with the understanding of diverse needs and challenges. Most recently, Keithan worked as a Medicaid Outreach Coordinator for Feeding Louisiana where he garnered essential skills for community engagement and support. His work in this capacity helped bridge the gap between Medicaid services and those in need, ensuring healthcare access for Louisiana's most vulnerable populations. He aims to bring a rich background in community liaison work along with a profound commitment to enhancing the well-being of our neighbors to his new role as Neighbor Services Coordinator. His goal is to create more accessible, effective, and compassionate services, fostering a supportive environment where every individual feels heard and helped.
The mission of Feeding Louisiana is to be 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.
