Why it matters
At Keller Williams New Orleans, we believe in making a difference—whether it’s through selling homes or changing lives. This week, we sat down with Lindsay Hendrix, Chief Impact Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank, to discuss their vital work, the challenges they face, and how the real estate community can step up. Spoiler alert: This isn’t just about food; it’s about hope.
By the numbers
Second Harvest is a powerhouse for fighting hunger in southeast Louisiana:
- 145,000 people served monthly—up from 109,000 two years ago.
- 40 million meals distributed annually, stretching every dollar into three meals.
- One in three children in the New Orleans area faces food insecurity.
The big picture
New Orleans is known for its rich culture and resilience, but hunger remains a pervasive issue. Rising costs and the benefits cliff—a phenomenon where families earn just enough to lose government aid but not enough to make ends meet—are driving more people to food banks.
“We serve the working families who do everything right—hold jobs, pay taxes—but still can’t afford food because the cost of living is so high,” said Hendrix.
Behind the scenes
Hendrix revealed how Second Harvest maximizes every resource to stretch donations further.
“We run like Costco or Walmart—hyper-efficient. The more we stretch resources, the more people we serve,” she explained.
Recent donations, including 75,000 meals from Taylor Swift and an unrestricted donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, have fueled their mission. However, Hendrix emphasized that donations often come with strings attached, making unrestricted gifts particularly impactful.
“MacKenzie Scott’s team did their homework, trusted us, and said, ‘Go forth.’ That trust allowed us to address immediate needs without bureaucracy,” Hendrix said.
What you can do
Second Harvest relies on volunteers and donations to meet growing demand. Hendrix stressed that the most impactful support is what resonates with your heart:
- Volunteer: Help pack grocery boxes for seniors or prepare children’s meals.
- Donate: Every dollar provides three meals, and unrestricted gifts are particularly helpful.
- Spread the word: Share their mission with your network.
Final thought
At KW New Orleans, we’re not just here to sell homes—we’re here to build a stronger, more compassionate community. Lindsay Hendrix’s message was clear: hunger isn’t just about food; it’s about human dignity.
Let’s continue to lead with purpose.
Want to learn more or get involved? Visit Second Harvest Food Bank.
Stay tuned for more expert insights from KW New Orleans, where industry leaders share their knowledge to help you succeed in the dynamic world of real estate.