City of Central Food Bank News

By Michelle Lewis – Food Bank President
Greeting Residents of the City of Central,
    The past few months have been amazing for the food bank.  Since our grand opening on January 12, 2016, we have signed up thirty new clients.  
    The food bank continues to receive food donations from the congregation of Zoar Baptist Church, Blackwater Methodist Church, First Baptist Church of Central and the customers at our Central Winn Dixie.
    To celebrate the 100th day of school the elementary students of Central Private School had a food drive.  The goal was for each of the elementary classes to raise 100 can goods each.  Well, those little ones donated 1,863 can goods to the food bank.
    In February and March Stacey Lancaster owner of Lancaster House dropped off huge boxes of oranges and grape fruit for our clients. 
      I was contacted by a mother whose thirteen year old son Christian needed a project for his Eagle Scout.  The Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program.  Needless to say I had the perfect project for him.  The food bank needed two food donation boxes built.  Not only is he building the boxes, but he also organized a food drive for our most needed items such as peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti sauce, boxed milk, and much, much more.  Christian is challenging all of the other scouts to fill the containers with food.  More to come on this exciting news!
    After having to postpone our meeting with Henry J. Schexnayder, III – Baton Rouge Market President, Whitney Bank, we finally were able to meet with him and Stephen David also of Whitney Bank on March 30th.  Mr. Schexnayder presented the food bank with a donation of $600.00. You see, in January he had told the Whitney Bank employees everything they raised he would match it out of his own pocket.  We also received a donation from Mr. David for $150.00.  
    Also in the month of March, we met with Theresa Payment – Foundation Director, Lane Regional Medical Center.  The city of Central Food Bank was chosen to be recipients of donations made by the staff of Lanes Hero program.  They will also be holding a food drive for the food bank in the near future.  
    Finally, for the entire month of March the students of Central Intermediate School collected baby items for the food bank.  The baby items donated were diapers, formula, baby food, baby wipes, baby snacks and baby blankets.  I also found out that April is Toothbrush and Toothpaste Month at CIS with all donations coming to the food bank. 
    I cannot thank everyone enough for the donations that help our little food bank to continue to grow and assist so many in need in our community.  I cannot express just how much the support of the residents of Central and the businesses of Central means to me.  I also cannot say THANK YOU enough for all of the donations.  
Until next time, my God bless you and keep you.
Michelle Lewis
President, City of Central Food Bank 
    For more information visit our website at http://centralfoodbank.webs.com and don’t forget to LIKE us on facebook .https://www.facebook.com/CityofCentralFoodBank 
    UPDATE: The following donations would be especially helpful as we approach the summer, which is a very busy time for the food bank: peanut butter and jelly (in plastic containers – these two items are always in high demand), spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, jiffy corn bread mix, breakfast items, small packs of cookies, snack pack pudding, jello, and any kid-friendly snack items.  Help the Central Food Bank stock up now for future needs!