Earlier this year, Second Harvest Food Bank celebrated the long-awaited opening of its first-ever dedicated distribution center in Southwest Louisiana, right here in Lake Charles. The 24,000-square-foot center, located at 2309 LA-397, was designed to serve as a lifeline for Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, and Beauregard parishes—making food deliveries more efficient and expanding access for families in need.
But just months after opening its doors, the new facility is already struggling to keep its shelves stocked. Funding cuts at the federal level have hit hard, leaving the center with empty racks and growing demand.
How Did We Get Here?
Built by the Community
The facility itself became a reality thanks to local generosity: corporate donors, community organizations, and individuals across Southwest Louisiana pooled resources to buy and outfit the building. Strong partnerships with McNeese State University, the City of Lake Charles, and area schools made it possible to launch this center after years of having to rely on twice-weekly shipments from Lafayette.
Federal Funding Cuts
However, the bulk of the food distributed by Second Harvest comes from federal sources—primarily USDA programs. In March, significant federal budget cuts—including a $1 billion reduction for food banks and school meal programs—dealt a heavy blow. Almost overnight, the new center found itself with far less food to distribute, even as local families faced rising costs for everything from groceries to housing and utilities.
Local Support Makes a Difference
Despite these challenges, Second Harvest is not alone. Major retailers like Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Albertsons, and Kroger, along with local schools, churches, and businesses, donate food weekly. Community-led food drives, like the recent one by Turner Industries (nearly 900 pounds of food collected!), are critical to keeping food moving out the door to about 30 partner agencies each month.
Yet, as Second Harvest staff have stressed, donations can’t keep up with current demand. As one staff member put it, “There is a huge shortage of food and funding because of those budget cuts. We’re doing our best, but the need is greater than we can meet alone.”
Hunger in Southwest Louisiana: The Facts
- One in five Louisiana households faces hunger.
- Many families in SWLA are seeking food assistance for the first time—often after layoffs or when budgets can’t stretch to cover food, utilities, and rent.
- Second Harvest supports over 500 community partners across 23 parishes, distributing more than 38 million meals annually across South Louisiana.
Community Voices
“It’s hard in the summer when the kids are not in school. I often go without so my children don’t have to. I rely on the food bank to help my family make ends meet.”
— Rosa, local SNAP participant featured on Second Harvest’s website.
How You Can Help
There are three main ways to support Second Harvest and local families:
- Volunteer: Sign up for a volunteer shift at no-hunger.org.
- Donate Food: Organize or contribute to a food drive—every can counts!
- Give Monetarily: Every $1 donated provides three meals for families in Southwest Louisiana.
About Second Harvest Food Bank
Founded in 1982, Second Harvest has grown from a New Orleans-based initiative to a network spanning South Louisiana, including a major response to Hurricane Katrina. Today, it fights hunger through food distribution, nutrition education, disaster relief, and public benefits assistance. The Lake Charles center is a vital link in that mission—but needs ongoing community support to succeed.
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, or if you want to make a difference, visit no-hunger.org.
Image Alt Text:
Second Harvest Food Bank truck delivering food at Lake Charles distribution center, spring 2025
FAQ
Q: Where is the new food bank in Lake Charles?
A: The Second Harvest Southwest Louisiana Distribution Center is at 2309 LA-397, serving Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, and Beauregard parishes.
Q: Why is there a food shortage now?
A: Recent federal budget cuts have reduced food supplies, making it harder to meet local demand.
Q: How can I help?
A: Volunteer, organize a food drive, or donate—every dollar provides three meals.
Q: Who does Second Harvest serve?
A: Second Harvest supports families, children, and seniors through 500+ partners across South Louisiana.