The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), provides kids and teens in low-income areas free meals after the school day. There are a number of ways that local organizations can get involved. Download the flyer to learn more information.

This monthly nutrition education lesson is delivered by a Food Bank staff member from the nutrition department. Each interactive lesson introduces elementary students to a new fruit and vegetable. Learn more

Printables (English & Spanish):

This program is an education intervention for individuals throughout the lifespan which focuses on obesity prevention in community and family settings by increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables through providing individuals with information on selecting, preparing, and sampling fresh produce. It is designed to improve cooking skills, healthy eating, nutritional awareness, and healthy behaviors. Through hands-on cooking, facilitated conversations, nutrition concepts, and taste-testing, this program is purposed to enhance nutritional well-being, dietary habits, and achieve long-term health outcomes in relation to increased knowledge. Learn more

MyPlate is a nutritional guide created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help people make healthier food choices. It is represented as a plate divided into five sections: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. The guide emphasizes the importance of portion control and balanced meals by encouraging the inclusion of a variety of food groups in appropriate proportions. MyPlate replaces the earlier Food Pyramid model and aims to provide a simple, visual representation of a healthy diet that is easy to understand and follow. Learn more about MyPlate here.

Printables (English/Spanish)

• MyPlate Fun Facts (English/Spanish)

Here are a few tips on how to talk to students about hunger:

• What are some reasons that people may not have food they need?
• What is one thing that surprised you from the story?
• Describe how you feel when you are hungry?
• How could you help those who are in need of food?
• If you were explaining the hunger problem to someone, how would you describe it?
• Look at the most recent receipt from the grocery store. What items cost the most? Why?

Volunteer. Volunteering at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank is a fun activity for summer camps and school groups to make an impact in in their community. Want to get your whole family involved? Check out our Volunteer Calendar for special Family Night Events. Learn more

Food Drive. Collecting non-perishable, shelf-stable food is a great way to create friendly competition between classes and school groups! Your food drive can be tailored to your needs and can also include a fund drive. Learn more

These are a few stories about how students, classrooms, and schools got involved with giving back to their community.

Local High School Students Host Food and Fundraiser for Food Bank

School is Out. Volunteering is In.

Elementary Students Give to Fight Hunger