Helping Acadiana families in need through schools

(Courtesy theadvocate.com) Acadiana families in need now have a place to shop for nutritious food for their tables as part of a new food pantry program offered by Second Harvest — their child’s neighborhood school.

The program is an extension of Second Harvest’s Backpack Program, which sends children home with snacks and quick-fix meal options for the weekends and holidays.

“While they’re out of school, we know that the kids who get the backpack are getting the food they need. Helping one child is great, but being able to help the whole family is what we really want to do,” said Terri Kaupp, communications specialist with Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana. The nonprofit food bank provides assistance to 23 parishes across south Louisiana.

So far, the school pantry program is in one school in Lafayette — Paul Breaux Middle — and one school each in Lake Charles and Opelousas, but the plan is to expand to other schools as funding allows.

“We’re targeting those schools with a high percentage of students who receive a free or reduced (price) lunch,” said Mary-Kay Rath, Second Harvest development manager.

Click HERE to read the full article on this special Second Harvest program.