LCMC HEALTH LAUNCHES COMMUNITY WIDE FOOD AND DIAPER DRIVE TO SUPPORT NEW ORLEANS-AREA FAMILIES
- Category: News
- Posted on:
“Together for Good” campaign invites community to donate food and diapers throughout September in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank and Junior League of New Orleans
LCMC Health is calling on the Greater New Orleans community to come “Together for Good” this September by helping 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 will serve 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 Friday, Sept. 25.
“Good health begins long before someone walks through the doors of a hospital,” said LaDana Williams, Vice President of Community Engagement for University Medical Center New Orleans. “Having enough food on the table and being able to provide basic necessities for a child are fundamental to the health and well-being of a family. Together for Good is about bringing our hospitals, our partners and our community together to help meet those needs and make a meaningful difference for our neighbors.”
Addressing Hunger Across Greater New Orleans
September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness of hunger and encourage communities to take action. Food insecurity continues to affect families throughout the region, with approximately one in five people in our community experiencing food insecurity.
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.
In 2025, LCMC Health contributed $75,000 to Second Harvest and collected more than 2,600 pounds of food through its systemwide efforts.
“Food insecurity is a health issue,” Williams said. “When families are forced to choose between groceries, medicine, housing and other necessities, the impact can reach every aspect of their health. Our partnership with Second Harvest allows us to address those needs beyond traditional healthcare and help connect families with the resources they need.”
Helping Families Meet the Growing Need for Diapers
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.
Community Food Distribution and Free Health Services on Sept. 29
Together for Good will culminate with a community food distribution event on Tuesday, 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. to 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.
How the Community Can Help
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
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. to 1 p.m., while supplies last.
“Together for Good reflects what community health is really about - organizations and individuals working side by side to make our community healthier,” Williams said. “Whether someone donates a bag of groceries, a package of diapers or simply helps spread the word to a family who needs assistance, every contribution matters.”
.png)
