One in five households in Louisiana is at risk of hunger (or food insecurity). With food costs continuing to rise and high unemployment coupled with low-wage jobs, the need for emergency food assistance is in high demand. A valued partner of Atmos Energy, Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans, the largest charitable anti-hunger network in south Louisiana, is at the forefront and leading the fight against hunger.

Second Harvest of Greater New Orleans was founded in 1982, and within a year’s time, the food bank was distributing food to more than 20 faith-based and nonprofit member agencies. By September 1985, Second Harvest had achieved full accreditation with America’s Second Harvest (the Nation’s Food Bank Network), which allowed it to receive large donations from around the country. After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Second Harvest was forced to relocate to Baton Rouge; however, with assistance from Feeding America and volunteers from all over the country, it became the largest food bank in the world’s history.

Today, Second Harvest Food Bank distributes approximately 32 million meals to more than 210,000 people. Its reach extends across 23 parishes and involves support from 700 + community partners and programs. The food bank’s lofty mission is to end hunger and provide a path out of poverty through these core foundations:

• Food access
• Advocacy
• Education
• Disaster response

Atmos is thankful for our long-standing partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank. Our Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities efforts have totaled over $200,000 in helping provide 800,000 meals to families in need. Atmos Energy is proud to support Second Harvest and its tireless work to combat hunger in south Louisiana.

To learn more and support Second Harvest Food Bank, please visit https://no-hunger.org/