FNEW ORLEANS – As the federal government shutdown continues to strain local families – United Way of Southeast Louisiana, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, Northshore Food Bank, Our Daily Bread, Community Center of St. Bernard, Giving Hope and Junior League of New Orleans – Tuesday announced the launch of a regional food drive to help keep local food pantries stocked and families fed.
The drive will collect nonperishable food items and diapers through Nov. 25 to support the growing number of households impacted by lost income and suspended SNAP benefits. UWSELA staff and volunteers will transport donations to regional food bank locations to help meet increased demand.
“We recognize that costs are high and times are tough for the vast majority of our region,” said Michael Williamson, president and CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana. “But if everyone can do a little something – an extra bag of rice, a can of soup, a pack of diapers – we can make a difference in the lives of our struggling neighbors.”
The food drive is part of UWSELA’s ongoing Government Shutdown Relief Fund response, which provides emergency assistance to households affected by the shutdown and the nonprofits working to meet their needs.
WHAT TO DONATE
The partners are collecting healthy, nonperishable food items that families can easily prepare and stretch across several meals. Please, no clothes or toys. Only non-glass containers will be accepted, and all items must be within the “use by” or “use before” date.
Grains:
Breakfast cereal, oatmeal, pasta, rice, crackers, flour, grits, and healthy snacks
Proteins:
Canned meat (tuna and chicken), dried beans, lentils or peas, canned beans, canned chili, peanut butter, nuts, trail mix, and canned soups or stews
Milk:
Shelf-stable milk, evaporated milk, and dry milk
Fruits and Vegetables:
Canned vegetables, canned fruits, shelf-stable vegetable or fruit juice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, dried fruits, and fruit cups
Baby Items:
Diapers and formula
DROP-OFF LOCATIONS
Donations can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at:
- J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center
2401 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119 - New Orleans East Prosperity Center
8324 Morrison Road, New Orleans, LA 70127 - Northshore Prosperity Center
834 N. Columbia St., Covington, LA 70433 - Prosperity Center – Bogalusa Campus
432 Avenue U, Bogalusa, LA 70427 - United Way of Southeast Louisiana Resiliency Center – founded by Rebuilding Together
2831 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117 - Junior League of New Orleans Headquarters
4319 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA 70115
Additional drop-off locations to be announced UnitedWaySELA.org/FoodDrive. The drive runs through Nov. 25, 2025.
Food will not be available for pick-up at the drop-off locations. Visit your local food bank.
To learn more or find help, visit UnitedWaySELA.org/ShutdownResources.
###