First Friday Memo - July 2025

From the desk of Jayne Wright-Velez, Executive Director

The Food Bank of Central Louisiana

July 2025 / Issue 185

Albertsons Foundation Feeds CENLA Children

The Food Bank of Central Louisiana has received a $10,000 grant from Albertsons Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Program to combat hunger during the summer months and after school hours, times when school-aged children are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity. The grant is part of the “Fight Hunger, Serve Hope” initiative from Albertsons private label brand O Organics and will be used to support the BackPack Program.

Enterprise Mobility Supports Senior Nutrition

Enterprise Mobility’s Fill Your Tank program has awarded the Food Bank of Central Louisiana a grant of $50,000. Every community faces unique challenges when it comes to hunger. Thanks to the recent support from Enterprise Mobility’s Fill Your Tank program, we’re empowered to craft solutions that address the specific needs of seniors in Central Louisiana and help our community thrive.

Kroger Spreads the Love with a Peanut Butter Drive

The Kroger Co.’s Dallas Division hosted a Peanut Butter Food Drive May 28 – June 17 to benefit local Feeding America food banks throughout the Metroplex, East Texas and Louisiana. Thanks to all of the customers who stopped by Kroger locations to purchase jars of peanut butter for the donation bins. Peanut butter is a wanted item at food banks since it lasts for long periods of time and is a great source of protein for people and families facing food insecurity.

FFA State Convention Spends Day of Service at the Food Bank

As part of the 96th Louisiana FFA State Convention and Expo, the Food Bank welcomed three warehouses full of FFA members who helped pack food bags and boxes and bagged fresh produce.  Ninety-six FFA members volunteered on June 4. We are so thankful for all the FFA member volunteers who participated in the State Convention Day of Service at the Food Bank.

Rapides Regional Medical Center Conducts a Timely Cereal Drive

In Central Louisiana, one in four children are food insecure. During the summer, without school meals, families struggle even more to feed their kids. That’s why we were so grateful to receive a donation of more than 2,500 boxes of cereal from Rapides Regional Medical Center last month. Thanks to the hospital employees who supported the Food Bank through this drive!

Employer Gift Matching Programs are Under-Used

Many companies offer a corporate matching gift program – where they financially match donations that their employees make to nonprofit organizations. But too many people don’t know what their employer offers. An estimated $4 to $7 billion in matching gifts are left on the table every year! Some companies even offer paid time off for employees to volunteer at a local charity. 

Here is how you can make the most of your employee match program:

Step one: Learn the rules. Every company is different. If you don’t know how your employer’s match program works, contact your Human Resources department.

Step two: Make your donation. Within the guidelines your company provides, select a charity. Be sure to keep proof of your gift or volunteer time, which may require providing contact information or a receipt.

Step three: Dot the i's and cross the t's. Provide any required receipts or documentation promptly to the appropriate personnel at your company and confirm that the match was made.

Don’t leave money for social good on the table! Take advantage of your employee match program this year and every year.

Thanks for making a difference

This July 4th, as we celebrate our nation’s independence, we’re also celebrating you. Thanks to your generous support, families in our community can gather around the table and share a meal. Thanks for supporting our mission to alleviate hunger in Central Louisiana.