The Lafayette Consolidated Government’s Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Department has reopened its PARCsGiving initiative to help families across Lafayette Parish enjoy a holiday meal, building on the program’s inaugural effort last year. Donations of specific non-perishable items will be accepted through November 6 at multiple locations, according to an announcement from the department. PARC Director Byron Starks noted the event’s community focus during coverage on KATC’s MidDay with Darla featuring LCG and PARC representatives. A Feeding America Map the Meal Gap study found that food insecurity in Lafayette Parish reached 17.4 percent in 2024, affecting 43,170 residents and marking an increase from 16.1 percent the prior year. The U.S. Census Bureau data places the parish poverty rate at 17.1 percent over the 2020-2024 period, underscoring the need for such neighbor-to-neighbor assistance programs.
Community members, businesses and organizations can drop off items Monday through Friday at Lafayette City Hall between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Girard Park Recreation Center from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. or any PARC recreation center from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., the department’s release stated. Suggested donations include 1- to 2-pound bags of rice, cans of green beans or corn, cornbread mix, dessert items such as cake or brownie mix or pie filling with crust, grocery store turkey vouchers valued between $10 and $20, and handwritten notes of encouragement. The department encourages participation from students and seniors through the no-cost note option to broaden involvement in the effort.
Volunteers can assist in assembling the meal baskets ahead of distribution, with shifts available by calling 337-291-8364 to register, according to the PARC announcement. Baskets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 20, at Domingue Recreation Center located at 901 Mudd Ave. The department set a target of at least 100 baskets but expressed hope of surpassing that figure with strong community response this year.
Starks said in the department statement, “PARCsGiving is all about neighbors helping neighbors and making sure more families in our community can gather around the table and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.” He added, “We’re excited to bring this event back and hope our community will help us reach even more families this Thanksgiving.” The program aligns with PARC’s broader mission that encompasses arts, culture and community events, similar to the festivals and heritage activities the department regularly supports in Lafayette.
Last year’s first PARCsGiving drive assembled and distributed baskets at Girard Park Recreation Center, establishing the model now expanded for 2026. The current effort arrives as Louisiana maintains one of the higher food insecurity rates nationally, with the state ranking third in a separate USDA analysis covering 2022 through 2024. PARC has invited all sectors of the community to contribute so the program can grow as an annual tradition supporting local families.
