Louisiana - Feeding Louisiana, the statewide association coordinating the state’s five regional food banks, has received a $1 million appropriation from the Louisiana Legislature to expand its purchase of locally grown produce and proteins for families facing food insecurity. The funding, approved August 8, 2025, by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, confirms ongoing state support to improve food access and strengthen market opportunities for Louisiana farmers.
This investment builds on a successful track record: between fiscal years 2023 and 2024, Feeding Louisiana utilized $2.5 million in state funding to buy food exclusively from 82 Louisiana farmers. These purchases ensured nutritious, locally sourced products reached all 64 parishes in the state, with every dollar dedicated solely to buying food—none spent on administrative salaries or overhead.
Pat R. Van Burkleo, Feeding Louisiana’s executive director, described the program as a dual benefit for “feeding more families while creating reliable markets for Louisiana’s small and mid-sized farmers.” Van Burkleo expressed gratitude for the Legislature’s ongoing trust, citing the measurable impact on residents across all parishes.
The food secured through the new appropriation will be distributed by five core regional food banks:
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana
- Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
- Food Bank of Central Louisiana
- Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana
- Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana
These organizations collectively provide emergency food assistance, senior nutrition boxes, mobile pantries, and disaster response, serving as lifelines for hundreds of thousands of residents statewide.
According to hunger relief experts, Louisiana faces growing challenges as the demand for food assistance rises while donations—from both food retailers and individuals—decline. Recent reports from food banks and state coalitions warn that current resources are not meeting all needs, with more families requiring help and federal nutrition programs under review. Strategic investments, such as the latest $1 million award, play a vital role in ensuring vulnerable populations have access to healthy meals.
Feeding Louisiana credits Jayne Wright-Velez, executive director of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, for representing the organization at the Budget Committee meeting. The association continues to advocate at the state level for policies and funding focused on hunger relief and improved food security.
By working together—state leaders, farmers, and food banks—Louisiana aims to drive solutions that address immediate hunger and build longer-term food system resilience.