Lafayette Volunteers Pack 17,000 Meals to Fight Hunger

Community United in Service
LAFAYETTE, La. — More than 17,000 meals were packed in Lafayette during a recent “Feed the Funnel” event hosted by CGI in partnership with The Pack Shack. Volunteers of all ages came together with one mission: to fight food insecurity in Acadiana.

The meals, including Louisiana favorites like red beans and rice, will go to local food pantries such as Second Harvest Food Bank of Acadiana, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Campus Cupboard, and South Louisiana Community College’s The Pantry.

Answering the Call to Feed the Hungry
Food insecurity affects an estimated 16.5% of people in Lafayette. Grant Clemens, operations manager at The Pack Shack, said the event plays a crucial role in meeting those needs. “Food insecurity is a significant issue here in the United States and here in Lafayette. This is just going a long way to bring that number down,” he said.

The Bible reminds us, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink” (Matthew 25:35). Through acts of service like this, the community lives out Christ’s command to care for neighbors in need.

Corporate Responsibility and Faith in Action
CGI, which organized the event, emphasized its commitment to giving back. Lashonda Dean, manager of strategic engagement and partnership, noted, “Being able to provide these meals to Second Harvest, our student food pantries at our local schools is only going to help emphasize that personal belief that we have here at CGI.”

With music, fellowship, and teamwork, the meal-packing day felt more like a celebration than work—reminding all present that service done with joy multiplies blessings.

Prayer for the Community
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the hands and hearts that worked together to prepare these meals. Bless the families who will receive them, and may their needs be met with dignity and love. Strengthen our community to continue serving one another in Your name. Amen.