As we gather around Thanksgiving tables across Louisiana, I’m filled with gratitude for the thousands of school nutrition professionals, educators, and community partners who work tirelessly to ensure no child goes hungry in our state.
Take Zachary Community School District, led by Bianca Coats, where dedicated nutrition staff recently launched a second chance breakfast program this month. By offering breakfast with their new mobile carts, after first period, they’re reaching students who might miss the traditional breakfast time. Bianca shared with us that breakfast participation increased on the first day and more students start their day nourished and ready to learn.
These local innovations, combined with strong state leadership, are making a real difference. This year, Louisiana took a major step forward when our state legislature and governor approved Summer EBT, providing grocery benefits to nearly 600,000 children during the summer months. This $71 million investment helped families bridge the summer meal gap when schools were closed.
Our school nutrition teams continue to be the backbone of child nutrition, serving both breakfast and lunch daily while expanding creative solutions like afterschool meals. In rural communities, 101 meal sites provided crucial summer meals through innovative pickup and delivery models, reaching families who might otherwise go without.
Yet we know challenges remain. Today, 1 in 4 Louisiana children face food insecurity – an unacceptable reality that drives our work forward. But I’ve seen firsthand how committed partners across our state are to changing this story.
This Thanksgiving, I extend my deepest thanks to everyone working to nourish Louisiana’s children – from the cafeteria staff arriving before dawn to prepare breakfast, to the administrators embracing new meal programs, to the legislators championing child nutrition policies like Summer EBT. Your dedication moves us closer to our goal of ending childhood hunger in Louisiana.
Together, we are building a future where every child has the nutrition they need to thrive. If your school or organization wants to learn more about expanding breakfast programs or summer meals, please reach out to No Kid Hungry Louisiana. We’re here to support you.
With gratitude, Rhonda M. Jackson Director, No Kid Hungry Louisiana
