Food bank sees increase in demand

[Louisiana1976]

Busy all year round, the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana ratchets the pace up a notch more during the holidays.

The food bank, since its inception in 1997, has become an essential part of the social services network in the region, providing food for the area's needy families.

Not only is the food bank a safety net for people in need, it also is a crucial partner for other area agencies that provide grocery assistance to the needy in 12 parishes. Last year, the food bank distributed more than 3 million pounds of food through nearly 90 charitable agencies.

And the need continues to grow during tough economic times, said Executive Director Richard King.

"We'll probably hit 3.5 million pounds of food distributed this year," King said. "Unfortunately, the need is substantial, and it is never met."

The food bank was incorporated in 1997 with the help of the United Way of Northeast Louisiana. United Way Executive Director Janet Durden, a member of the founding board, said Monroe businessman Saul Mintz was instrumental in getting the food bank started because he recognized the need in the community.

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