The Fundamentals of Operations at the Food Bank
Did you know the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank is one of few food banks in the nation that provide food to its agencies free of charge? Our agencies are made up of food pantries, group homes, soup kitchens, meal sites and shelters. In addition to agencies, distribution occurs through three main programs: Adopt-a-Senior, BackPack, and Mobile Pantry. Adopt-a-Senior provides basic, shelf-stable food once a month for the period of a year to qualified at-risk seniors. The BackPack program is designed to help fill a void for children who are at risk of missing meals when they are not in school. Mobile Pantries are distributions funded by donors for special events and holidays.
In 2020, we distributed over 13.6 million meals with the help of funds, time and food donated.
From fundraisers to food drives, operations at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank would not be possible without your help. A monetary donation can go a long way at the Food Bank, just $1 could provide up to 3 meals. We are able to work directly with the Feeding America Network and local distributors to purchase products in bulk at low costs. Additionally, through the cost recovery program, we are able to purchase excess produce from farmers. Donations allow us to provide to our programs that help meet the needs of those who face hunger.
Without the thousands of volunteer hours each year, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank would be unable to provide food to the many children, seniors, and families facing hunger. In 2020, over 8,000 volunteers donated time at the Food Bank, equating to a total of 36,557 hours of volunteer work. Volunteers work hard in the sorting room to sort food into different categories such as canned vegetables, breakfast foods, pasta and rice. In our office, administrative support volunteers assist our administrative staff with office related duties. Outside of our facility, volunteers help maintain the Vince Ferachi Community Garden, assist at drive through mobile distributions and help out with the Mobile Pantry program.
As a food bank, we acquire, inventory and warehouse the donated and purchased food product. Food goes from the shelves to our trucks, to our warehouse for sorting and repacking, and then into boxes on palettes to be distributed to those we serve. With community support, we have served the hungry in our 11 parish service area for more than 30 years.
If you are able to give food, funds, or time, click here to learn more.
Understanding the Passion To Serve Others
