A $50,000 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation (Louisiana Blue Foundation) helped the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana provide disaster relief across the region following Winter Storm Fern.
The funding, along with other community support, allowed the Food Bank to provide nutritious food and clean water to thousands of Northeast Louisiana families and individuals impacted by widespread power outages and property damage caused by the storm.
“This generous grant was vital in helping provide additional food assistance to our neighbors impacted by the winter storm,” said Jean Toth, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana. “We are grateful for the support from the Louisiana Blue Foundation to help us care for our community during this crisis.”
With the funding, the Food Bank purchased truckloads of food to support an additional seven mobile disaster-relief distributions in communities heavily impacted by the storm, providing food and water to thousands of people in need. The support also allowed the Food Bank to restock community partner pantries and provide targeted food assistance to individuals staying in shelters.
“Following Winter Storm Fern, access to food and clean water quickly became a critical need for families and communities,” said Michael Tipton, Louisiana Blue Foundation president. “We’re proud to partner with the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana to help ensure families across the region had access to the food and resources they needed.”
The Food Bank is still in need of community support to continue recovery efforts, as well as sustaining ongoing hunger relief programs. Every $1 donated to the Food Bank helps provide food for at least 3 meals. For more information about the Food Bank’s work or to get involved, visit foodbanknela.org.