Donations being accepted for annual meal distribution
Feeding your family a Thanksgiving feast is stressful enough without having to worry about funding the meal. But for many area families, that added stress is a reality.
The ‘Feed a Family’ program, operated by Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry, is in its fifth year of reducing that stress.
“It was started because I went out on a delivery in November five years ago to a lady’s house that lives in Minden,” Jessica Lewis, director of the food pantry said. “I realized she had nobody. No family was checking on her, no church, no neighbors, nothing. I sat and talked to her for a little bit and realize she would be alone for Thanksgiving.”
Lewis brought her concerns to the Christian Church at Minden, where she attends and the founding organization of the Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry.
“They provided food for her that year and the following year we started ‘Feed a Family’ to make sure that there wasn’t anybody else like her left in that situation,” Lewis said.
The goal for the first year was 300 families sponsored. This year’s goal is to feed 1200 families for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
“Every year the goal has been met or exceeded,” Lewis said.
Having a positive affect on the lives of others is what brings donors back year after year.
“People look forward to the giving to this all year long,” Lewis said. “Clients of course look forward to it as well. Many of them would just go without if it was not for this program.”
Around 420 families have been sponsored as of Monday.
“I know that doesn’t look good but God is always faithful and he always provides,” Lewis said. “I expect donations to pick up.”
Donations are currently being accepted and cost $20 to sponsor a family.
“That provides everything from the bird to the desert,” Lewis said.
Distribution will be held Nov. 18 and Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. until noon at the food pantry location, 814 Constable St.
People can donate either by mailing in a donation marked “Feed a Family” to 814 Constable St., Minden, La. 71055 or through PayPal at [email protected]. Donations are tax deductible.