The Season of Giving in NOLA
New Orleans is a food desert, which leaves countless families without access to nutritious food. As students, we should take advantage of this season of giving. Whether it is volunteering, donating money or donating food, there is always a way to give back. Here’s a list of a couple places to make sure everyone is full after their Thanksgiving meal this year!
Second Harvest Food Bank
PHOTOS: Natalia Sifnugel
The Second Harvest Food Bank not only serves the New Orleans community, but covers 23 parishes across Louisiana, making them the largest anti-hunger network in the state.
They offer various programs that all focus on creating a healthier New Orleans. They range from food distribution and prepared meal services to nutrition education for both children and their parents.
One of the most unique programs, and the program they are looking for more volunteers in, is their Kids Café, which is an after school and summer program that gives kids a place to play and receive a healthy meal after school. How can you help? Just a $1 donation can provide meals for up to 3 children!
You can even catch their food truck that runs daily through all 23 parishes, ensuring that all families have the opportunity to get a substantial meal. On a similar note, Second Harvest is trying out a new pilot program where they bring a food pantry directly to schools. They already have established in one school in Opelousas and are working on adding three more across the state.
If you’ve got some free time and want to do something meaningful for the community, the Second Harvest Food Bank would love volunteers for the holiday season! You can do individual volunteering or as a group.
Check out: http://no-hunger.org/
The Healthy School Food Collaborative
PHOTO: The Healthy School Food Collaborative
The Healthy School Food Collaborative is an incredible group that is dedicated to fighting the obesity epidemic in New Orleans. They aim to teach healthy eating habits to schools and families alike, all in the hope of increasing equal access to healthy and fresh food.
One of the most impactful programs that this organization offers provides schools with a list of healthy standards and a way to achieve those standards. A few of the standards include:
- No canned fruit or vegetables
- No deep drying
- No mechanically separated meat
- No animal by products
Want to know more about it? Contact the Healthy School Fool Collaborative at http://thsfc.com/contact
Don’t Have a car? We gotchya back!
Foodbanks Near Campus:
With finals coming up, it can be hard to find the time to go volunteer or donate. Luckily, there are a few food banks close to Tulane:
- The Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 2021 S Dupre St, New Orleans, LA 70125
- Catholic Charities at 1416 Dante St, New Orleans, LA 70118
- Broadmoor Improvement Association- 3900 General Taylor, New Orleans, LA 70125
Even donating a half hour of your time can make a substantial difference. Let us know if you check any of these out in the comments!
COVER PHOTO: Natalia Sifnugel
