Efforts to address food insecurity are expanding across Louisiana’s Northshore as part of National Hunger Action Month.
In St. Tammany Parish, new support is helping strengthen local food distribution through the addition of a 20-foot box truck, increasing the capacity to collect and deliver food to families across the region. The investment supports the Northshore Food Bank’s ability to reach more individuals through remote and community-based distributions.
Hunger Action Month, a nationwide initiative led by Feeding America, raises awareness and encourages action to address food insecurity. In Louisiana, where approximately 1 in 6 residents experience food insecurity, community partnerships play a key role in expanding access to nutritious food.
“We know that hunger is a health issue,” said Jamie Schlottman, Plan President of Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “Access to nutritious food plays a critical role in overall well-being, especially for children, seniors, and individuals managing chronic conditions.”
The new truck was celebrated during a ribbon-cutting event with community partners, including the Northshore Food Bank and CGB Enterprises. The additional capacity allows for more efficient food collection and distribution, helping extend services to underserved and harder-to-reach areas.
“We cannot thank our partners enough for their belief in and support of our mission,” said Yvette Roussel, CEO of Northshore Food Bank. “This investment allows us to expand our reach and continue providing consistent access to food for the families who rely on us.”
Northshore Food Bank has served the region since 1984, supporting hundreds of individuals and families each week through a range of supplemental nutrition programs.
“As a company connected to agriculture and the food supply chain, we understand the importance of food security in building strong communities,” said Eric Slater, Chief Executive Officer of CGB Enterprises. “We are proud to support efforts that help ensure families have access to fresh, nourishing food.”
Longstanding partnerships have helped make these efforts possible, combining funding, volunteer support, and community collaboration to strengthen food access across the region.
In addition to local investments, broader support continues across Louisiana through community food distributions, school-based pantries, and medically tailored meal programs.