LOUISIANA, USA — Governor Jeff Landry just declined more than 70-million dollars in federal funding for the Summer EBT program. It’s a pandemic-era program that would have provided extra grocery money to the families of 600-thousand kids out of school for the summer.
Census data shows more than one in four Louisiana kids live in poverty. So what options do they have this summer?
There are hundreds of summer feeding sites for kids across Louisiana. Each year, the USDA Summer Food Service Program partners with schools, churches, community centers, and other local organizations to feed kids under 18 for free.
Kids do not need to file paperwork to qualify. There are dozens of sites across New Orleans, but the number of sites in rural areas gets more sparse. The 2024 map will go live in May, and you’ll be able to see locations and hours.
Among those on the map will be sites sponsored by Second Harvest Food Bank. They’re a major partner of the USDA Summer Food Service Program.
Second Harvest says it’s hoping to increase its Summer Feeding Program sites to 75 locations in a 23-parish area in 2024. They plan to put out a list of locations at the end of Spring.
Another option for families include community food pantries, community fridges, and free prepared meals. The following parishes provide a list of support resources for residents online.
Orleans Parish
Jefferson Parish
St. Tammany Parish
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