Our vision is a New Orleans where every individual has reliable access to nutritious food, fostering a community where children can thrive, families are healthy, and opportunities for success are abundant. We strive to create a city where food insecurity is eradicated, and every resident feels supported and empowered.
— Thelma French
In New Orleans, a city known for its rich culture and culinary delights, food insecurity is quietly unfolding. For many residents, the struggle to put nutritious food on the table is a daily reality, impacting health, educational outcomes, and overall well-being. Amidst this challenge, Total Community Action (TCA) has emerged as a beacon of hope and leadership.
The Call to Action
The situation’s urgency was underscored when Governor Landry initially rejected federal funds for summer food programs. This decision outraged many, including Thelma French, Executive Director of TCA, who saw it as a direct attack on Louisiana’s most vulnerable citizens. “We decided that it was important for all of us to take on the responsibility of feeding the people in our community,” French declared. In response, TCA took the lead in organizing the Feeding the Children Summit NOLA.
The Feeding the Children Summit NOLA
The summit, spearheaded by TCA, brought together food providers, volunteer organizations, and community leaders to address the urgent need for summer food programs and beyond. The summit highlighted the critical role of community collaboration in tackling food insecurity. “Our fundamental purpose is to make sure people are aware of what’s going on,” emphasized Bill Rouselle, New Orleans Citizens Committee member. The discussions revealed that food insecurity affects not only children but also the elderly and other vulnerable populations in the community.
A Broader Issue
“We learned that the problem of food insecurity was much broader than just kids on summer vacation,” Rouselle noted. The summit’s findings underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure that all New Orleans citizens can access healthy food year-round. This revelation spurred TCA to expand its efforts beyond the summer, aiming to create sustainable solutions for food access.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Plans
Total Community Action, a cornerstone of anti-poverty efforts since the 1960s, has a long history of supporting the New Orleans community. From running the Headstart program for preschool children to assisting with utility bills and workforce development through programs like JOB1, TCA has been a vital resource for nearly 50 years.
When Governor Landry eventually accepted the federal funds, partly due to the community uproar and the advocacy of leaders like Congressman Troy Carter, TCA had already mobilized its network to fill the gap. TCA united all our partners to strive for a future where everyone, not just children, can access healthy food.
The Role of TCA Moving Forward
As the lead agency dealing with poverty in New Orleans, TCA continues to secure funding and resources to combat food insecurity. The United Way has provided crucial support, enabling TCA to continue hosting summits and bringing together diverse stakeholders to address food insecurity. “Our efforts will go beyond just this summer,” French affirmed. TCA is committed to bringing partners back together to develop long-term strategies for ensuring that no one in New Orleans goes hungry.
How You Can Help
Addressing food insecurity requires a collective effort, and there are many ways you can get involved:
Volunteer Your Time: Organizations like TCA and Second Harvest Food Bank need volunteers to help with food distribution and other activities.
Donate: Financial contributions to TCA and related organizations help provide nutritious meals to those in need.
Advocate: Use your voice to support policies that promote food security. Contact local representatives and emphasize the importance of these programs.
Educate: Raise awareness about food insecurity in your community. Share information with friends, family, and neighbors to build a broader support base.
Support Local Efforts: Participate in community food drives, support local farmers, and engage with neighborhood initiatives to improve access to healthy food.
Join Us in This Vital Mission
“Extreme poverty anywhere is a threat to human security everywhere,” in New Orleans, the fight against food insecurity is a community effort. With the leadership of Total Community Action, we are making strides toward a future where every resident has reliable access to nutritious food.
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s work together to build a community where everyone can thrive.
