The Northeast Louisiana Food Bank is hosting a number of events during National Hunger Awareness Month in order to raise money for providing meals and other services to those less fortunate and educating the public on the problem of hunger in our area. The Food Bank will hold three separate fundraisers throughout September to achieve their goal.
The first fundraiser will be on Thursday, September 12th, and the Food Bank is asking everyone to wear orange in solidarity with those affected by world hunger. They will also have a link to their Facebook page where the community can donate directly to NELA Food Bank and help them reach their goal of $25,000 in one day.
The second fundraiser will take place on Monday, September 16th at one of the Food Bank's partners, Whataburger-Monroe (2411 Louisville Ave. Monroe, La.)The fast food restaurant will be donating part of their proceeds from 5-7 p.m. that day to the Food Bank. On top of this, they will also be giving out free Whataburger for a week to the first 25 lucky customers that come eat and donate.
The third and final fundraiser will be at another Food Bank partner, Newks-Monroe (2320 Tower Dr. Monroe, La.) on Saturday, September 28th. They will also be donating a portion of their proceeds to the Food Bank from 5-8 p.m.
Sarah Hoffman, External Communications Officer, says that these fundraisers are not the only way to help the Food Bank this month. The Food Bank has also partnered with Hunters for Hunger Day for all of those hunters looking to clear their meat-fridge before next hunting season. The meat can be dropped off at the Food Bank (4600 Central Ave. Monroe, La.) from 2-4 p.m. on this Saturday, September 14th, but it must be processed and packaged first. The Food Bank has a list of meat processors who will do it for free if the meat is being donated to the organization.
Hoffman also says that this month is about “ways for people to get involved” through serving those in need in our community. The Food Bank is always in need of volunteers, and it is easy to get signed up. You can visit their website or Facebook to fill out a form to work 1-hour shifts at their warehouse.
Monetary donations to the Food Bank are also welcome. Donating only $10 pays for almost 55 meals. Your contribution matters, no matter how small. Don't forget to keep spreading awareness and being mindful of those affected by hunger in our community and the rest of the world.
More information about the NELA Food Bank and The National Hunger Awareness can be found here.