BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Food insecurity remains a serious challenge for many families across Louisiana, especially as the holiday season winds down and food bank supplies run low. In response, a new statewide initiative has launched with a goal to make a significant difference, one meal at a time. Volunteer Louisiana, the Office of Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and Feeding Louisiana have come together to create the 'Million Meals for MLK' campaign, a project inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service. At the campaign’s kickoff event at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, volunteers gathered to package meals and raise awareness of the critical need facing food banks and shelters throughout the state. Baton Rouge community can see new movie about Black women who shaped US for free “This is not a day off, this is a day on,” said Michael Tipton, president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana Foundation. “It's an opportunity to serve and this is a practical way we can serve in communities throughout our state.” With an ambitious goal of delivering one million meals to families in need by January 2025, the ‘Million Meals for MLK’ campaign is enlisting the help of volunteers, donors and community members. Organizers emphasize that Louisiana has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the country and that community support is essential in addressing this pressing issue. “Food insecurity is a critical issue in the state of Louisiana,” Tipton said. “As a health-related company, we know that if people don’t have access to healthy food, they aren’t going to heal, they aren’t going to achieve the quality of life that they want and need.” According to Mike Manning, president and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, this event couldn’t come at a better time. “Food banks do very well during the holidays, but once the holidays pass, we struggle to get food donations, monetary donations, and just volunteers,” Manning said. “It’s key for us to have the state raise awareness through Volunteer Louisiana, partnering with local companies to honor Martin Luther King’s legacy.” Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now BRProud Daily News SIGN UP NOW The 'Million Meals for MLK' campaign is rallying people across Louisiana to contribute however they can, whether by volunteering, donating or simply spreading the word. With MLK Day as the only federal holiday dedicated to national service, the 'Million Meals for MLK' campaign offers a hands-on way to carry forward Dr. King’s vision. The campaign is set to make a lasting impact, ensuring that Louisiana families receive essential support in the months to come. Latest News Early voting tops 50M a week before Election Day Group assaults man they claimed was a 'pedophile' at Texas grocery store, police say 'Million Meals for MLK’ campaign aims to combat food insecurity in Louisiana Taylor Swift donates to Second Harvest Food Bank after New Orleans stop on Eras Tour New affordable apartment community in Baton Rouge opens