Meet the Team – Ariane Dent
Ariane Dent has been at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank for over two years working to maintain and grow our internal programs. As the Senior Programs Coordinator, Ari helps to run the BackPack Program, the Senior Grocery Program, and the Mobile Pantry Program, and this year has added the School Pantry Program, designed to address food insecurity among students.
“Two to three days a week, I go out to mobile distributions to assist,” Ari said. “I make sure everything is working efficiently, whether it’s checking that backpacks have the right amount of kits or ensuring schools have everything they need to run their programs.”
Ari’s favorite part of the job is witnessing the immediate difference the Food Bank makes in people’s lives. “I love being so hands-on. You get to see the impact right away. When you see neighbors and clients getting food on the spot, it hits an emotional chord. It makes you want to keep going, to keep improving, and to help more people.”
During her time at the Food Bank Ari has been able to foster relationships with agencies that help run the programs as well as the individuals that receive food.
“After being here for two years, I’m seeing the same people every month,” said Ari. “It’s hard not to build relationships with them, especially when they help me as much as I help them. I’ll have volunteers who receive food come out to help at distributions. And at schools, when people see the Food Bank logo, you can see their appreciation.”
Looking to the future, Ari is excited about how the Food Bank can grow to help more people in our community. “I’m excited to see what I can do with new programs. Hopefully, in the future, we’re just able to grow and expand to get people what they need.”
Ari’s dedication to the people and programs she serves is an integral part of the Food Bank’s mission. Learn more about our programs here.
Finding Purpose Through Helping Community
