BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Many Louisiana residents who rely on SNAP benefits will not receive new funds in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. As a result, families may have to turn to local food banks to help put meals on the table.
The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank serves parishes across the Capital Region, including Ascension, Assumption, Livingston, West Baton Rouge, St. Helena, Iberville, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, St. James, and Pointe Coupee.
Some local businesses are stepping up to help. Toups & Co., a legal service with offices in Baton Rouge and Prairieville, recently launched The Toups & Co. Community Table. This is a one-time food drive created to support families affected by the lack of SNAP benefits.
Ruby Slipper in Baton Rouge offering free meals to federal workers during shutdown
The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, located at 10600 S. Choctaw Drive, works with dozens of partner food pantries across the area. Below is a list of other food pantries offering assistance during this time.
Ascension Parish
The Shepherd’s Market
- What: The Shepherd’s Market serves about 50 families per day (around 400 each month) and welcomes anyone in need, focusing on ZIP codes 70808, 70809, 70810, and 70820. First-time clients will need a picture ID and proof of current address.
- Where: St. John’s United Methodist Church campus (230 Renee Drive, Baton Rouge).
- Times/days open: Monday: 3:30–5:30 p.m., Tuesday: 8–10 a.m. and Thursday: 8–10 a.m.
St. Theresa Food Pantry
- What: St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church’s food pantry serves the Gonzales community and is located across the street from the church.
- Where: 1105 Burnside Ave., Gonzales.
- Days/times open: 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays.
St. John Outreach Food Pantry
- Where: 15208 Highway 73, Prairieville.
- Days/times open: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday to Thursday.
East Baton Rouge Parish
St. Agnes Catholic Church Food Pantry
- What: The St. Agnes Food Pantry works with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and gets donations from parishioners to help those who don’t have a way to cook food. Volunteers sort food and distribute it to certified clients.
- Where: 49 East Blvd. Baton Rouge.
- Times/days open: 8 a.m. each first Thursday of the month in the gym.
Client Choice Food Pantry by HOPE Ministries
- What: Client Choice Food Pantry serves about 825 families each year, offering a grocery store–style experience that allows clients to choose foods that meet their family’s health and nutritional needs with dignity.
- Where: 4643 Winbourne Ave. between N. Acadian and N. Foster.
- Times/days open: Doors open at 8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
EBR Lotus Food Pantry
- What: The Lotus Pantry is a senior-focused free food pantry in East Baton Rouge Parish. Seniors can get fresh fruit, produce, baked goods, canned goods, and personal toiletries through a partnership with the GBR Food Bank.
- Where: 1701 Main St., Baton Rouge.
- Times/days open: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
East Feliciana Parish
O’Dell Tickles Food Pantry
- Where: 24497 Cook Road, Slaughter.
- Times/days open: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every second Sunday of the month.
Livingston Parish
Community Hands Food Pantry
- What: CommUnity Hands Food Pantry provides food to families in Livingston Parish once every 30 days. Applicants will need a photo ID. More information can be found here.
- Where: 316 Centerville St. NW, Denham Springs.
- Days/times open: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays.
Livingston Parish Free Food Pantry
- What: The Livingston Parish Free Food Pantry is open monthly to residents within the parish. Applicants need to bring a photo ID. Check here for dates and eligibility requirements.
- Where: Livingston Church (26490 S. Frost Road, Livingston).
- Times/days open: Registration starts at 8 a.m. Distribution will follow once the food boxes are prepared, until supplies last.
West Baton Rouge Parish
Port Allen Food Pantry
- Where: 850 7th St., Port Allen.
- Days/times open: 9-10:30 a.m. Mondays
Erwinville Community Children’s Organization and Food Pantry
- Where: 12419 Section Road, Port Allen.
- Days/times open: 9 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday.
Have a food pantry to add to this list? Email [email protected]…