Latest news with #FeedingLouisiana
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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
- 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.
