Latest news with #Anti-HungerDay
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Feeding America CEO addresses rising hunger crisis in US
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — An official with the nonpartisan organization, Feeding America, shares details about the hunger epidemic across the nation. Data shows that nearly 50 million people in the United States are experiencing food insecurity, with 14 million of those being children. Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, has a strong desire to help people across the country who are experiencing hunger. 'One of the best things about Feeding America is that we are a network that includes over 200 food banks across the country,' said Babineaux-Fontenot. 'We have agency partners and meal programs, over 60,000 all across the country, partner state associations, like Feeding Louisiana.' According to Babineaux-Fontenot, food insecurity rates have increased annually. 'Food insecurity rates have been going up, but one of the great things about our network is that we focus on the people and the policy, we don't focus on politics at all,' she shared. Babineaux-Fontenot said if you are interested in donating or volunteering at any food bank across the country, you can visit the Feeding America site to find the nearest food bank. You can help by donating funds or even food, she added. 'There's not just one way to help,' Babineaux-Fontenot said. 'This issue impacts every single one of us. Every single one of us has an opportunity to be part of something positive to change it, so I hope people will.' Hundreds rally at Louisiana Capitol for Anti-Hunger Day to highlight food insecurity Advocates rally at Louisiana Capitol for the homeless Baton Rouge native crowned Miss Louisiana's Teen 2025 Mayor-President Edwards launches 'Pray for the Parish' initiative in Baton Rouge Tim Cook says Trump tariffs could cost Apple more than $900M in June quarter Feeding America CEO addresses rising hunger crisis in US Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Honeybee Crisis: Louisiana beekeepers report historic colony losses
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — It's a tiny insect with a massive impact, but in 2025, honeybee populations in Louisiana are facing their worst decline on record. Beekeepers across the state are raising the alarm after reporting an estimated 60% loss of honeybee colonies this year alone. Experts warn the collapse of these vital pollinators could ripple far beyond the hive—impacting everything from crop production to grocery prices. In Baton Rouge, longtime beekeeper Kevin Langley, Vice President of the Louisiana Beekeepers Association, said the trend is heartbreaking. 'It's heartbreaking to see bee colonies die because we depend on these colonies to feed our community,' said Langley. Pollination from bees plays a critical role in growing fruits and vegetables like strawberries, cucumbers, and melons, all major Louisiana crops. According to Morgan Christman, a pollinator ecologist at Louisiana State University, the fallout could be felt in grocery aisles across the country. 'We're likely going to see reduced crop yields, which is also going to impact the quality of the crops being produced,' Christman said. 'This will likely create shortages for crops across the country.' Beekeepers say a combination of monocropping, pesticide use, habitat loss, and disease is to blame. Langley warns that modern farming practices are weakening bees' immune systems, making it easier for chemicals and pathogens to wipe out entire colonies. 'With our current farm practices, it's weakening their immune system, allowing the pesticides and pathogens to kill the colonies,' he explained. Despite the alarming numbers, there is hope. Farmers, researchers, and environmentalists are working to educate the public on bee-friendly practices, such as planting pollinator gardens, avoiding pesticide use during bloom periods, and preserving green spaces. From farm fields to front yards, every effort to protect Louisiana's pollinators makes a difference. House panel advances sweeping bill of Trump immigration priorities 'I never stopped looking': Mother seeking answers after daughter still missing after two years Ascension Parish subdivisions to vote on new property taxes for infrastructure Honeybee Crisis: Louisiana beekeepers report historic colony losses Hundreds rally at Louisiana Capitol for Anti-Hunger Day to highlight food insecurity Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Job seekers encouraged by Mayor-President Edwards at Baton Rouge River Center
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — People in Baton Rouge looking for their next job opportunity may have found it at the River Center. Businesses had the chance to find people who could be the right fit. Bernell Jones is a junior Psychology student at Southern University, looking for a job at the River Center. He said there should be more events like this. 'Looking for job opportunities as a college student, I need help in my career endeavors, like internships, and career development,' Jones mentioned. 'I believe it helps. A young person looking for opportunities – we need help too.'Over 900 people came out looking for their next opportunity. Mayor-President Sid Edwards said many industries are looking for the right person, and it just takes finding the right fit.'We want you to stay in Baton Rouge. I wish you the best of luck this morning. We have a wide array of opportunities and positions in Baton Rouge, we're excited about where we're going with the city,' said agree – and they highlight the many benefits to working in Baton Rouge. Amanda Stanley with EmployBR said, 'We've got a variety of companies here – we have healthcare, Lane Memorial, Baton Rouge General, construction, MMR, Turner.'Jones said he wants more events like this because they would help people living said, 'If no one is willing to give you experience, how do you get it?' House panel advances sweeping bill of Trump immigration priorities 'I never stopped looking': Mother seeking answers after daughter still missing after two years Ascension Parish subdivisions to vote on new property taxes for infrastructure Honeybee Crisis: Louisiana beekeepers report historic colony losses Hundreds rally at Louisiana Capitol for Anti-Hunger Day to highlight food insecurity Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hundreds rally at Louisiana Capitol for Anti-Hunger Day to highlight food insecurity
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Advocates from across Louisiana gathered at the Capitol this week for Anti-Hunger Day, calling attention to food insecurity and urging lawmakers to take action against hunger in the state. 'It's really a call to action to make sure people understand there is hunger in our state,' said Pat VanBurkleo, Executive Director of Feeding Louisiana. VanBurkleo emphasized the urgent need for support as food banks nationwide face significant funding challenges. 'We had over $50 million across the country cut for food banks. So that's a big impact,' VanBurkleo said. 'We are really trying to find resources to feed the people who need us.' He added that the day was about strengthening partnerships between food banks and government agencies to better serve communities in need. Among the attendees was James McReady, a business owner from Monroe and founder of H2Greaux, a company that partners with local food banks to provide fresh, chemical-free produce to schools and families. 'We really wanted to be in the school systems because we saw what our kids were eating,' McReady said. 'We don't know where it's coming from. We don't know what kind of chemicals are sprayed on the vegetables. We wanted to make sure that they were getting clean, nutritious food.' McReady said his company's mission goes beyond feeding families—it's about providing high-quality, safe nutrition. Chip Peerrin urged fellow residents to take action. 'It's an important topic. It's something that we all as Louisianans need to be aware of, and we really need to influence our elected officials to fight for us,' said Peerrin. Business leaders, volunteers, nonprofit workers, and local food banks joined forces during the event to advocate for change and raise awareness about hunger, emphasizing that ending food insecurity will take a collective, sustained effort. House panel advances sweeping bill of Trump immigration priorities 'I never stopped looking': Mother seeking answers after daughter still missing after two years Ascension Parish subdivisions to vote on new property taxes for infrastructure Honeybee Crisis: Louisiana beekeepers report historic colony losses Hundreds rally at Louisiana Capitol for Anti-Hunger Day to highlight food insecurity Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Plaquemine man killed in two-vehicle crash in Iberville Parish
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Louisiana State Police is investigating after a crash claimed the life of a Plaquemine man on Wednesday. Troopers were called to Louisiana Highway 75, near Mendoza Road in Iberville Parish, about a two-vehicle crash around 8:30 a.m. During the investigation, troopers learned a 2008 Pontiac Torrent, driven by 36-year-old Daniel Hall, was headed north on LA 75, while a 2019 Mack truck was traveling south on LA 75. For unknown reasons, Hall lost control of the vehicle, crossed the centerline and struck the Mack truck. Hall was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. A juvenile passenger of the Pontiac was wearing their seatbelt and sustained minor injuries. The driver of the Mack truck was uninjured in the crash. This is an ongoing investigation. House panel advances sweeping bill of Trump immigration priorities 'I never stopped looking': Mother seeking answers after daughter still missing after two years Ascension Parish subdivisions to vote on new property taxes for infrastructure Honeybee Crisis: Louisiana beekeepers report historic colony losses Hundreds rally at Louisiana Capitol for Anti-Hunger Day to highlight food insecurity Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
