In this episode,  Natalie Jayroe, President & CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, whose remarkable 30-year journey in the field began as a volunteer. Natalie shares their impactful mission, distributing an astounding 40 million pounds of food annually, fostering community collaboration and resilience, and serving as first responders during crises. They also lay the foundation for long-term hunger solutions, partnering strategically with Feeding America and introducing innovative programs. From empowering local farmers to value-added processing, Second Harvest Food Bank’s inspiring work is a beacon of hope for hunger relief and community strength.

About Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana: It is at the forefront of the battle against hunger in South Louisiana. Their mission encompasses providing food access, advocating for those in need, offering education, and responding to disasters. With an impressive network of 700+ community partners and programs spanning 23 parishes, they are creating pathways out of poverty through food distribution programs, community kitchen meal services, nutrition education, and public benefits assistance. What’s even more remarkable is their commitment to sustainability, securing millions of pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste, and ensuring that families struggling with hunger have a place at the dinner table.