ST. LANDRY PARISH — One in five children in the U.S. struggles with hunger—and for many, weekends and holidays mean going without food.

That’s where Belly Buddies steps in.

Each Friday, the local nonprofit delivers “belly bags” filled with nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals to students in need—ensuring they don’t go hungry when school meals aren’t available.

What started as a small outreach 10 years ago—helping 10 to 20 kids—has grown into a weekly effort serving about 120 students.

“We put the food right in the baby's hands,” said founder Katie Richard. “They don’t have to go anywhere. We come to them at school—we laugh with them, love on them, and just make sure they know someone cares.”A former teacher, Richard said the idea was born from seeing the deep needs in her own classroom.

See Full Page