Lake Charles Memorial Health System and Second Harvest Food Bank Partner to Combat Food Insecurity During National Nutrition Month

In a joint effort to address the vital link between nutrition and community wellness, Lake Charles Memorial Health System (LCMHS) is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank to host a drive-thru community food drive on Saturday, March 21.

Food insecurity remains a critical social determinant of health across the state. In Louisiana, 1 in 6 people experiences hunger, including 1 in 5 children. During National Nutrition Month, Lake Charles Memorial and Second Harvest are highlighting the importance of access to nutritious food and working to address these nutritional gaps to improve long-term health outcomes for residents across Southwest Louisiana.

The community is invited to participate by dropping off non-perishable food donations during the public drive-thru event:

When: Saturday, March 21 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Where: Lake Charles Memorial Hospital – Medical Office Building II Drive-Thru

2270 3rd Avenue, Lake Charles, LA 70601

Impact: All donations will remain local, distributed by Second Harvest to food pantries across the five-parish area.

Most Needed Items: Breakfast cereal, rice and pasta, canned vegetables and fruit, canned meat or fish (tuna or chicken), dried or canned beans, peanut butter, canned soups and stews, tomato sauce (no glass containers).

Items Not Accepted: Items in glass containers, perishable foods, health and beauty items, over-the-counter medications and damaged or bulging cans.

“Food insecurity is a healthcare issue, and our goal is to support the health of Southwest Louisiana,” says Devon Hyde, President and CEO of Lake Charles Memorial Health System. “To us, healthcare extends far beyond care plans and bandages; it’s about caring for the whole person. This partnership with Second Harvest is a perfect example of the collaboration required to build a stronger, healthier community.”

“Community partnerships like this one with Lake Charles Memorial Health System help ensure that neighbors across Southwest Louisiana can bring meals home for their families,” said Jon Toups, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank. “Food drives organized by local organizations and community members are an important way we can work together to support people experiencing food insecurity and strengthen the health of our region.”

As the region continues to face economic pressures, the demand for nutritional support has risen. This initiative serves as a direct response to those growing needs.

Leading up to the event, Lake Charles Memorial employees will also participate in an internal food drive, collecting food donations across the health system to contribute to the effort.

“When our community is in need, we work diligently to answer the call,” Hyde added. “We heard this call loud and clear, and we invite our neighbors to join us in supporting the people in our region who need it most.”