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11 Parishes, 22,400 Lives: Inside The Food Bank Of Central Louisiana's Critical 2025-2026 Mission

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As of December 21, 2025, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana (FBCLA) in Alexandria, LA, stands at the forefront of a growing hunger crisis, distributing over 8 million pounds of food annually to combat food insecurity across 11 parishes. The organization's mission has become more critical than ever, with recent upheaval in federal food assistance programs and a surge in demand forcing the FBCLA to adapt quickly, relying heavily on community support and strategic partnerships to nourish the 22,400 people they serve each month. Operating from its hub at 3223 Baldwin Avenue, the FBCLA acts as a vital lifeline, not just by handing out meals but by implementing forward-thinking programs like the Mobile Pantry and the Good Food Project, which focus on both immediate relief and long-term health in Central Louisiana. This deep dive explores the organization's structure, the challenges they face in late 2025 and early 2026, and the essential ways the community can support their ongoing efforts to ensure no neighbor goes hungry.

The Leadership and Operational Hub in Alexandria, LA

The Food Bank of Central Louisiana operates as the central clearinghouse for food and grocery products, serving a massive 11-parish area from its Alexandria location. The organization's success is driven by a dedicated team and a clear mission to alleviate hunger through collaboration and waste elimination.

Key Personnel and Leadership Entities

The Food Bank's operations are overseen by a committed group of staff and leadership, ensuring efficient distribution and program management:

  • Jayne Wright-Velez: Executive Director, leading the organization's strategic vision and response to the region's rising food insecurity challenges.
  • Frank Abbott: Key staff member involved in operations and logistics.
  • Jodi Belgard: Staff member contributing to the FBCLA's mission.
  • Frances Blackman: Essential part of the team managing various food bank functions.
  • Joseph Bono: Staff member focused on program execution.
  • Dustin Bordelon: Contributes to the daily operations of the food distribution network.

The main office, located at 3223 Baldwin Avenue, Alexandria, LA 71301, maintains standard office hours from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Addressing the Crisis: The 11-Parish Service Network and 2025 Challenges

The Food Bank of Central Louisiana’s service area is vast, covering 11 parishes where food insecurity remains a significant issue. This extensive network requires complex logistics, especially when facing the recent headwinds of increased demand and reduced resources.

The 11 Parishes Served by FBCLA

The FBCLA distributes food and grocery products to needy families through a network of approved charitable agencies across the following eleven parishes, extending its reach far beyond the Alexandria city limits:

  • Allen Parish
  • Avoyelles Parish
  • Catahoula Parish
  • Concordia Parish
  • Grant Parish
  • LaSalle Parish
  • Natchitoches Parish
  • Rapides Parish (home to the Alexandria headquarters)
  • Sabine Parish
  • Vernon Parish
  • Winn Parish

The Critical Financial and Programmatic Headwinds of 2025

The year 2025 has presented significant operational hurdles for the FBCLA. Food banks across Louisiana have been grappling with a dual challenge: an increased need for food assistance coupled with disruptions and cuts to federal programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This situation has created an uncertain environment, with demand sometimes feeling as acute as the initial days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to dwindling supplies and this urgent need, the Food Bank secured an emergency funding grant of $300,000 from the Rapides Foundation, a long-time partner. This critical funding was essential to stabilizing resources and ensuring the continuation of vital food distribution programs through the end of 2025 and into early 2026.

Innovative Programs: Beyond the Emergency Food Box

While emergency food distribution is a core function, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana runs several specialized programs designed to address specific types of food insecurity and promote long-term health. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to holistic community wellness.

1. The Mobile Pantry Program

The Mobile Pantry Program is an innovative solution designed to overcome geographical barriers and bring food directly to underserved communities across the 11-parish region. This program ensures that residents in rural or remote areas, who may lack transportation to the main Alexandria hub or partner agencies, still have access to nutritious food. The FBCLA has already released its schedule for January 2026 distributions, highlighting the continuous, forward-planning nature of this essential service.

2. The Good Food Project

More than just a food source, the Good Food Project is a model community garden that embodies a vision for a healthier Central Louisiana. Its primary focus is on youth, ensuring that all children grow up with both an awareness of and physical access to nutritious food. The project supports a "culture of health" in public schools throughout the region, offering a hands-on approach to nutrition education and sustainable food practices.

3. Strengthening Children and Nourishing Seniors

Targeted programs ensure the most vulnerable populations receive consistent support:

  • Strengthening Children: This umbrella includes initiatives like the Summer Food Service Program, which provides essential meals to children when school is out of session, helping to bridge the gap of childhood hunger. Statistics show that 1 in 4 children in the area face hunger, underscoring the vital nature of these programs.
  • Nourishing Seniors: Designed to meet the unique dietary and accessibility needs of the elderly, this program ensures senior citizens, often on fixed incomes, have a reliable source of nutritious food.

How to Get Involved: Volunteer and Donation Opportunities

The ability of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana to serve 22,400 people monthly is directly tied to community engagement. Whether you are an individual seeking to fulfill community service hours or a corporation looking to partner, the FBCLA offers several avenues for support.

Current Needs and Ways to Help

Financial Donations: Given the increased demand and operational costs in late 2025, financial contributions offer the greatest flexibility, allowing the Food Bank to purchase the most-needed items in bulk and cover distribution costs.

Volunteerism: Volunteers are the backbone of the operation, assisting with sorting, packing, and distribution at the Alexandria warehouse. Opportunities are available for individuals and groups, and the Food Bank often calls for volunteers, especially during high-demand periods like the holiday season.

Food Drives: Community-led food drives, such as the "Christmas Cheer Food Drive" mentioned for December 2025, are crucial for restocking shelves and ensuring a steady supply of non-perishable goods.

The FBCLA continues to be a beacon of hope for Central Louisiana, demonstrating resilience and innovation in the face of persistent food insecurity. By understanding the scope of their 11-parish mission and the critical programs they run, the community can better support their efforts to ensure a healthier, hunger-free future for all residents.

11 Parishes, 22,400 Lives: Inside the Food Bank of Central Louisiana's Critical 2025-2026 Mission
food bank of central louisiana alexandria la
food bank of central louisiana alexandria la

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