Jessica Lewis leads an impressive life as a mother of two, church administrator at The Christian Church, volunteer special advocate for foster children for Court Appointed Special Advocates and director of the Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry.
She spoke to the Minden Lions Club Thursday about the accomplishments and goals of the food pantry.
“The food pantry is community funded and community run,” Lewis said. “Without the support of the community we wouldn’t be able to serve the 700 plus clients we currently do.”
She gave some insight into the schedule of the Joe LeBlanc Food Pantry, explaining the reason the they serve their clients on the third Saturday of every month.
“Most of our clients rely on food stamps, and what little they can afford during the month begins to run thin near that last week. We’re here to get them through that last week.”
Despite the food pantry dispersing 9,382 bags of food last year, Lewis still feels there are more people to reach. That was the thought behind the “Joe on the Go” program.
“Many seniors are homebound and don’t have the ability to come out and get assistance,” Lewis said. Starting in October of 2015, the Joe on the Go program has grown from only 25 clients to 85. The program allows volunteers to not only transport food monthly to these homebound clients, but also to form a bond and see if these clients could use help in other aspects of their lives.
In May the food pantry plans on having a “Day of Service,” where volunteers visit these clients and aid them with tasks around their home.
For more information on the food pantry call 318-299-6375, email joeleblancfoodbank@yahoo.com or visit the pantry at 408 Broadway in Minden. Office hours at Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Lewis also spoke on her work with CASA, and urged anyone willing and able to volunteer for the Royal Family Kids Camp. To apply, potential volunteers can go to the RFKC website at www.minden.royalfamilykids.org and download an application. the completed application may be faxed to 318-371-9822 or emailed to minden@royalfamilykids.org. Also, the application may be mailed to Minden-RFKC, 407 Fort Street, Minden, LA 71055.