LFBA - Message from the Executive Director

January 9, 2012

Thank you for your interest in the Louisiana Food Bank Association.  Our association was formed 2007 and gained  501(c)(3) status in 2010  supporting  and coordinating the efforts of the 5 Louisiana food banks in the Feeding America network.  The five regional food banks have been striving to alleviate hunger in their communities with some in operation for more than 26 years.  Our regional food banks provide the bulk of food that over 400 community and faith based partner organizations distribute throughout all 64 parishes of Louisiana. These local partners play an important role in determining the needs of and distributing food to the most vulnerable in their communities. 

Scope of problem:
Despite our greatest efforts 1 in 4 people who needed emergency food are unable to get it.  16%  of Louisiana’s households were food insecure in 2010,  up from 14% in 2009. These families are unsure of where their food would come from and many have had to make some nutritional compromise.  A full 4% or 1 in 20 did not have enough to eat, 45% of whom were children. Of 11 states cited for having more than 20% of children under the age of five at risk of hunger, Louisiana has the highest rate of children under the age of five at risk of hunger in the United States (U.S. Census and USDA data).

In 2010 our food banks provided close to 50 million pounds of food to approximately 609,000 different individuals, but this problem persists.  Our food banks and their member organizations have an efficient delivery network that can distribute food that may otherwise go to waste for minimal cost.  Our food banks can deliver as many as 8 meals for every $1 contributed. 

Funding:
The Louisiana Food Bank Association’s funding comes from the state and federal government and generous contributions and grants from industry and individuals.  The funding is used to purchase nutritious food to help the vulnerable populations of Louisiana.   We will continue to seek funding and partnerships to feed the thousands of needy families that our food banks serve. 

Accomplishments:
Although we have been in operation a short time we have made great strides to help feed the hungry of Louisiana.  We are working in conjunction with state government to assist those in need of food enroll in emergency food programs. We are working to educate our community and policy makers about the impact of food insecurity and what is needed to alleviate the problem for Louisiana’s vulnerable population.  In 2010 we got the Wal-Mart State Associate Choice grant and started the Back pack program at all 5 area food banks, where food insecure children are sent home with 7-10 lbs of food for the weekend.

As Louisiana has seen more than its share of disasters the food bank has worked with other voluntary organizations to help people in crises. During the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike, the food banks worked together and delivered millions of pounds of food to those in need.  Whether it is a single child or family in need, or an entire community or state in crises, the food banks have been there for the people of Louisiana 365 days a year. 

The number of men, women and children that come to our network of more than 400 member agencies are increasing each day. Therefore, we strive to improve our ability to garner resources in any way that we can to provide nutritious food to hungry families in Louisiana. 

What you can do:
We ask you to support your Louisiana food banks by contributing what you can and communicating with your state legislators about the importance of funding this need, because good nutrition is the basis for a healthy mind and body , especially for our children, who are the future of our state

Sincerely,

Cindy Greenstein
Executive Director
Louisiana Food Bank Association