LCMC Health is calling on the Greater New Orleans community to help provide two of the most basic necessities for local families - food and diapers. This will be the first phase of a broader initiative the system is launching.
Beginning Sept. 1, LCMC Health hospitals are serving as community donation sites for a systemwide food and diaper drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank and the Junior League of New Orleans Diaper Bank. The effort is part of LCMC Health Together for Good, a month-long community campaign bringing LCMC Health hospitals, team members, patients, and neighbors together to address food insecurity and diaper needs across the region.
Members of the public are encouraged to drop off nonperishable food items and diapers at LCMC Health hospitals through Sept. 25.
September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness of hunger and encourage communities to take action. LCMC Health and Second Harvest Food Bank have an ongoing partnership focused on addressing food insecurity and improving health across Greater New Orleans.
From Sept. 1 through Sept. 25, LCMC Health hospitals will collect nonperishable food donations benefiting Second Harvest and the families it serves.
LCMC Health is also partnering with the Junior League of New Orleans Diaper Bank in recognition of National Diaper Need Awareness Week, Sept. 14–20. The need is significant. Nearly one in two families struggles to afford enough diapers, while three in five parents experiencing diaper need report missing work or school because they cannot provide the diapers required for childcare. Additionally, 28 percent of parents experiencing diaper need report skipping meals to afford diapers.
The Junior League of New Orleans is seeking to collect 15,000 diapers through its citywide diaper drive Sept. 10–17, and LCMC Health is helping support that goal by extending collections at its hospitals through Sept. 25.
The greatest needs include:
-Diapers in sizes 4, 5 and 6
-Pull-ups
-Baby wipes
Open packages of diapers can also be donated.
Community members can bring diaper donations to participating LCMC Health hospitals or to the Junior League of New Orleans headquarters, 4319 Carondelet St., during business hours Sept. 10–17.
Together for Good will culminate with a community food distribution event on Sept. 29 at the Broadmoor Food Pantry (2021 S. Dupre St.).
The event is open to the public and will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., or while food supplies last.
In addition to grocery distribution, LCMC Health and its community partners will bring health and wellness resources directly to residents. Free services will include flu vaccinations in partnership with Walgreens and blood pressure screenings provided by LCMC Health team members. Touro will also bring its Nursing Nest to the event to provide additional support and resources for families.
Community members can support Together for Good in several ways:
-Donate food: Bring nonperishable food items to donation bins located at participating LCMC Health hospitals from Sept. 1–25
-Donate diapers: Bring diapers, pull-ups and wipes to participating LCMC Health hospitals through Sept, 25.
-Support the Junior League of New Orleans Diaper Bank: Donations can also be made by purchasing items through the organization’s Amazon Wishlist or making a monetary contribution directly to the Diaper Bank
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/QF601FDQGRSZ?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_2
-Attend the community distribution: Residents in need of assistance are invited to the Sept. 29 food distribution and community health event at the Broadmoor Food Pantry from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., while supplies last.