Food banks ask $15 million from state

Jayne Wright, left, with the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, looks on as Natalie Jayroe, president of the Louisiana Food Bank Association, asks legislators Tuesday to approve $15 million in funding for the state’s food banks.

 

Citing the uncertainty of the stalled U.S. farm bill, the state’s food banks asked legislators Tuesday for $15 million in funding.

“Hunger’s not a seasonal issue,” said Jayne Wright, director of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. “These people need our help every day.”

The House Appropriations General Government Subcommittee listened to food bank organizers’ concerns but did not take any action. The panel is reviewing sections of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s proposed $30 billion state operating budget.

This is the second year in a row that the five regional food banks that make up the Louisiana Food Bank Association have sought funding from state government.

Last year, the Legislature approved $5 million in food bank funding. At the time, the organizations asked for $15 million.

Wright told lawmakers Tuesday that food banks have requested funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

With the five-year farm bill locked in a political struggle in Washington, that funding is in limbo, she said.

“Without the support of the state, food banks would be in a terrible state,” Wright said.

Natalie Jayroe, president of the Louisiana Food Bank Association, said the $15 million would provide 22 million pounds of food to the needy through faith-based and other groups.

Less than 3 percent of the money would be used for administrative costs, she said.

Reginald Holmes with the Kenner Food Bank said his organization serves a variety of backgrounds. The other day, a nurse asked for help feeding her six children, he said.

There are single parents who cannot afford the rising cost of baby formula and diapers, Holmes said.

“Families come to us in gratitude, tears in their eyes, thanking us,” he said.

In January, the food bank served 2,720 people, Holmes said.

Richard King, executive director of the Food Bank Northeast Louisiana, noted that the food banks buy from Louisiana producers.

“It’s about buying food from Louisiana people to feed Louisiana people,” he said. “The need is great. The shortfalls are great.”