The good table

Food and charity have always intersected neatly in Louisiana. Think of impromptu office jambalaya fundraisers that offset medical costs for families of coworkers, or the bounty of local restaurants that donate a portion of profits to social causes, even when many of them have been battered by four consecutive years of a soft economy and higher food costs.

Last week, another impressive display of local generosity occurred when organizers of the Associated Grocers Fall Food Show donated 21,710 lbs of food to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. The River Center event for independent grocers showcased new food products and grocery display concepts using real produce, prepared items, meats and more. When the event’s doors closed, enough food was shuttled to the Food Bank to equal 16,700 meals, reported the Food Bank later that day.

The approaching holidays often inspire individuals to donate to the Food Bank, but it’s an institution that needs cash and food donations year-round, especially since 17.8% of the population in its 10-parish service area live in poverty. It distributed more than 11 million pounds of food last year. More than 25 years old, the Food Bank’s current objective is to build a new warehouse that can safely and effectively store enough food to meet regional needs.

For more information and ideas on how to help, visit the Food Bank’s website.