LAFAYETTE, La. — Cold weather is prompting many residents in Acadiana to seek shelter and food. To help, the Second Harvest Food Bank is partnering with warming shelters across five parishes. One key location is the Dupuis Recreation Center at Graham Brown Memorial Park.
Recently, Second Harvest provided meals at the shelter, with more planned in the coming days. They served dinner on Tuesday and will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Friday to Sunday as the cold continues.
John Sillars, Chief Strategy Officer at Second Harvest, emphasized the importance of this effort. “The city of Lafayette opened the Dupuis Center to help people. It’s not just about warmth; it’s also about providing hot meals. The community sees the need and is stepping up,” he said.
Each meal service feeds between 80 and 100 people. So far, over 500 meals have been served at this location. The food bank credits strong community support for their ongoing efforts to nourish those in need during these chilly nights.
This isn’t just an isolated situation. According to a recent report by Feeding America, food insecurity affects 1 in 10 people in the U.S., including many in Louisiana. This winter has seen an uptick in demand, highlighting the importance of community support and services like those provided by Second Harvest.
In this tough time, social media has also played a role. Many locals are sharing their support online, encouraging one another to contribute or volunteer. This sense of community can make a big difference as people come together to help their neighbors.
As the cold continues to impact residents, organizations like Second Harvest are vital in providing warmth, safety, and nourishment. Their efforts illustrate how communities can unite during challenging times. For more information on food assistance programs, check resources from Feeding America.
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Lafayette Parish
