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As an adult I have volunteered for various non profit organizations, but never have I been more in AWE than my recent trip to Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana. Recently my blogger pal/neighbor, Christina from BlueKittyCool.org & I visited Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana. We knew they did amazing work for the community but we were shocked by their presence & efforts that reached over 250,000 people annually & distributes well over 60,000 meals weekly, yes I said weekly!
Walking into the 220,000 square foot warehouse, one can instantly feel the love that is provided by the employees, volunteer, visitors and most of all DONERS. Last year they provided well over 24 millions pounds of food to the community. For nearly 30 years, Second Harvest Food Bank has strive to reach more of the hungry by providing not only food pantry items, but fresh items as well. The misconception that only unhealthy items are donated was easily put to rest as soon as we walked into the warehouse. Not only did we see items like fresh fruits & vegetables, we also saw items like fresh herbs that is used in the Summer Feeding and Kids Cafe programs available to the community.
From orange & cranberry juice to proteins like Goya beans & rice, the recipients which also includes senior centers, shelters, soup kitchens etc are given wholesome food boxes based on what the specific agency is looking for. But donations can come in monetary form as well. Did you know that for every $1 donated, Second Harvest can provide the equivalent of $15.50 in grocery/food items for the community. Talk about sticking to a budget! Second Harvest uses their monetary funds to provide items that they may not receive on a regular basis.
Donating doesn’t just come in the form of money or canned items. You can also help by volunteering your time in the warehouse or in the Community Kitchen. Volunteers from local business, community groups, and just neighbors/supporters donate their time to ensure that Second Harvest has the man power to give back to the community. We saw a large local business give back that very Friday by sorting & packaging boxed goods. Not only was it an organized feat, but every person donating their time had a smile on their face while making a difference within the community. They worked together with one goal: To Make a Difference.. And that they did.
So what else can we do to help?
If your local, Zea is hosting the a “Taste of the NFL Dinner”.
November 6, 2012
Zea St. Charles
1525 St. Charles Ave. (Free parking in the back)
Zea will be serving up special Zea inspired dishes each one paired with a different wine. While you feast and watch election returns, mingle with Saints alumni including Michael Lewis and other special guests and take a chance to win some great door prizes. It’s a great night for a great purpose!
Menu to include:
Gator & Grits Asian Almond Shrimp Key West Crab Cakes
Tuna Stack Duck Empanadas Breaux Bridge Pasta
Country Fried Oysters on Hushpuppy Biscuit with an Artichoke Gravy
Tickets are only $50 per person and can be purchased online at www.zearestaurants.com.
Donate Food Items:
If you are interested in donating the ask for everyday: pasta, rice, beans (dry/canned), tuna, canned chicken, canned vegetables or fruit, canned stews/chili, peanut butter. The items provided by the community and corporations that donates stay local and serve 23 parishes in the state of Louisiana. You can find these donation bins at various upcoming food drives as well food donation bins in local grocery stores like Rouses SuperMarkets.
Also, Winn-Dixie is hosting their annual: Winn-Dixie Hunger Relief Campaign on November 7th – December 25, 2012 in various Winn-Dixie locations. Look for the UPC tear pad at the Winn-Dixie register to make a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank. Every dollar makes a huge difference to the community.
For more information on the organization and what you can do to help please visit their website at http://no-hunger.org or on their Facebook & Twitter Pages.
I want to help!
My girls volunteer at the shelter every tuesday… They donate their time in reading, helping with meals and just hanging with the children.
Everyone who is able should donate to a food bank. Often times we take for granted the food we have to eat. Not everyone is so fortunate.
Dawn
http://www.cheapisthenewclassy.com
This is awesome – I love, love, LOVE to see people giving back!
Volunteering is great. I try to donate and volunteer my time whenever possible. It’s a great feeling to give back.
This is such an inspirational cause, I love to give back as much as I can and help, sometimes we take food for granted. Big hug <3
great post! I used to volunteer at my local food bank for 7 years! but it got closed down
Wow! that is really nice
Everybody should help
http://www.fashionfabnews.com/
BB helped out in the 2nd Harvest of the Big Bend up here in Tallahassee. What a great bunch of people, and it was so nice to see organizations from FSU helping and eager to do so! It truly does feel good to know you’ve helped your community. Keep doing the good stuff mujer, we all need reminders of how we can help. BB2U
Awesome post! A few days ago, I was planning with my sister about volunteering our time at our local food bank this coming month. There is always a need for volunteers year round at any local food bank.
Great post! Thank you so much for doing this. I love the pictures and all the details. You aremaking a difference!
I have always been such a huge fan of the Second Harvest Food Bank! I love what they do for families!
We volunteer at a local food shelter a few times a year and just today my little one brought home a note from the school asking for donations of food for local banks. We will be getting some from the whole family so she can take it in. Thank you for sharing this very wonderful organization.