Numerous food pantries and distribution sites have been popping up around Acadiana over the last several weeks. While those sites are often temporary, several organizations have and continued to provide services to those needing food assistance. KATC will provide more information on locations and specific food distribution sites as they become available at KATC.com/Food.
We found the BEST thing to do first is call 211. Representatives will ask where you are, and your zip code, then tell you a specific food bank or church that is giving away food, plus the days and hours they are open. This will always be the most accurate and up-to-date because our list will constantly be changing.
Current food distribution plans
Dates and times will be updated weekly in this list.
Back to school:
There are plans to provide meals to students who have opted for hybrid and virtual learning. Most districts plan to give take-home meals to students who will be on campus some days.
For full virtual students -
Acadia Parish:
Plans are still being finalized.
Evangeline Parish:
KATC has reached out to the Evangeline Parish School Board on their plans and we are waiting to hear back.
Iberia Parish:
11 schools will be designated as pick-up points, which means parents/students may have to go to a different school to get meals each day. More information here.
Jeff Davis Parish:
There will be a "grab and go" drive-by pick-up option for breakfast and lunch meals on designated dates and times. If a student is not in the vehicle, a parent must sign a waiver stating the meal(s) is/are for the student.
Lafayette Parish:
Plans are still being finalized.
St. Landry Parish:
St. Landry will be partnering with The Healthy School Food Collaborative to deliver meals to homes. It is imperative that parents complete the form to receive meals. More information will be provided on the district's website when it is available.
St. Martin Parish:
Parents will be allowed to pick up meals for the week on Wednesday afternoons. Parents must fill out a form to receive meals. More information will be provided on the district's website when it is available.
St. Mary Parish:
Plans are still being finalized.
Vermilion Parish:
Pick-up meals will be offered, but a final schedule and further details have not been released. Information will be provided on the district's website when it is available.
Three O'Clock Project, partnering with the United Way of Acadiana:
The organization will continue meal distributions after several school districts have delayed their start dates.
For a complete list of up-to-date distribution locations, dates and times for parishes in Acadiana, click here.
Acadia Parish:
- The Three O'Clock Project is offering free meals (Only for those 18 and under). The child must be present, or you must fill out a form. For locations, dates and times, click here
Evangeline Parish
Iberia Parish:
- Solomon House is offering a no-contact grocery drive-thru Tuesdays until further notice from 9 - 11 a.m. at 520 Center St., New Iberia. No income information is needed. For more details, call 337-364-7798.
- The Three O'clock Project will distribute free meals to any child 18 and under weekly. For locations and times, click here.
Jeff Davis Parish:
Lafayette Parish:
True Vine Food Pantry located at 1555 W. Willow St., in Scott offers food to community members in Lafayette, Carencro and Scott the 3rd week of each month: Monday from 2 - 3:45 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 3 - 5:45 p.m. First time visitors are asked to bring a valid ID, proof of residency and proof of income. For more details, call 337-534-8656. This will go on until further notice.
Grab & Go Three O'clock Project, in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana and United Way of Acadiana, is providing meal boxes to children younger than 18. For dates, times and locations click here.
Each location will provide seven breakfasts and seven lunches worth of frozen meals. Meals will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Starting June 1, children will have to be present to receive meals. If a child is not or cannot be present with a parent or guardian, they will be required to submit a form stating the child(s) name, address and phone number they can be reached - every time they pick up meals without a child this form will be required. Again, if children are present, no form is needed.
St. Landry Parish:
- The 3 O'clock Project to distribute free meals weekly to children 18 and under. Children must be present. If they can't be present, a form must be filled out. For locations, dates and times click here.
St. Martin Parish:
As of May 13, the Catholic Charities Food for Seniors commodity program will resume for existing St. Martin Parish clients. The distributions will resume on their regular days, at the regular times, in the usual locations in St. Martin Parish, a spokesman said. Clients must complete an application process to participate; this distribution is only for those clients who were participating before the distributions were temporarily suspended because of the stay-at-home order, the spokesman said. For information on how to apply, click here.
St. Mary Parish:
Vermilion Parish:
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK FOOD PANTRY LOCATIONS:
Communities United for Change
1244 Big Four Corners Rd,
Jeanerette
W 5:30pm - 9:00pm
Sa 9:00am - 12:00pm
Little Zion Community Outreach
7814 Hwy 182, Franklin
M/Tu/Th 9:00am - 10:00am
W 11:00am - 3:00pm
Pilgrim Grove Baptist Church
1110 Grace St, Morgan City
M/W/F 10:30am - 11:59am
Spirit of Liberty
1015 Willow Street, Franklin
Tu/Th 9:00am - 2:00pm
School Systems:
Each school board in every parish also has their own guidance when it comes to getting food for children because they are all working with different agencies which require different deadlines. You'll have to register with the agencies; we've provided a link to each system's website below.
Acadia Parish School Board
- Will participate in the Emergency-Meals-To-You partnership with Baylor University
Evangeline Parish School Board
- Participating in the Meals-to-You program
Iberia Parish School Board
- Participating in the Healthy School Food Collaborative which delivers free meals for a week at a time
Jeff Davis Parish School Board
- Is announcing updates on a week-by-week basis. Distribution for this week was on 4/20/2020.
Lafayette Parish School Board
- They will be participating in the Meals-To-You program with Baylor University.
St. Landry Parish School Board
- Will be partnering with the Healthy School Food Collaborative beginning on 4/20
St. Martin Parish School Board
- Participating in the Meals-to-You program with Baylor University
St. Mary Parish School Board
- Participating in the Meals-to-You program with Baylor University (St. Mary Parish has extended the Meals-to-You program in the parish until June 30)
Vermilion Parish School Board
- Providing food through VPSB meal program. Those who missed the deadline or don't qualify can contact Christian Service Center, and meals will be delivered to you. Click HERE for their form.
ACROSS ACADIANA
Second Harvest Food Bank: To apply for assistance, you can call toll-free Monday- through Friday, 8am to 7pm: 1-855-392-9338.
SNAP: For those needing help with supplemental nutrition assistance, call the SNAP offices at 1-888-LAHELP-U (888-524-3578). and visit their website at : http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/get-snap
Catholic Charities of Acadiana is also offering support to those who may need assistance, through work with local organizations. To learn more about services offered, click here. Their number is 337-235-4972.
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