D-SNAP 101: Disaster Food Assistance and Community Preparedness with Louisiana Sea Grant
This month, we will hear from Niki Pace, J.D, Research Attorney with Louisiana Sea Grant Law & Policy Program and Dottie Reid, Resilience Engagement Coordinator with Louisiana Sea Grant.
We’ll explore how the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program works, what community partners should know about helping residents navigate assistance, and where to find reliable information following a disaster.
We’ll also learn about Louisiana Sea Grant’s disaster aid resources—a valuable starting point for understanding assistance programs and supporting preparedness and recovery in coastal communities.
When: Wednesday, November 11 from 12-1pm
Where: Zoom
Register: https://tulane.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gXUDumEuRoK1BfqhpgVsyg
This is an opportunity to build our collective understanding of disaster food assistance and strengthen the connections we rely on when emergencies happen. Bring your questions and help us spread the word to colleagues and partners who would benefit!
(November 11 is Veterans Day, a federal holiday. We recognize that some colleagues may be observing the holiday and unable to attend. The presentation will be recorded and shared for those who cannot join)
Disaster Food Access Working Group Monthly Meeting at Sprout
Please join us in person on Thursday, October 8 from 11 a.m to 12:30 p.m. for our next monthly D-FAWG meeting!
For our October D-FAWG, we will meet at SPROUT's Press St. Garden location to tour the farm and learn how SPROUT has aided growers and the community at large during disasters. A BIG thank you to the team at SPROUT for hosting!
Food Policy and Practice Potluck
The Food Policy and Practice gathering brings together new and established food advocates to discuss food policy developments, advance advocacy skills, gain knowledge about the food system, and identify opportunities to promote long-term solutions to food challenges. This month we will meet at the New Orleans Food Co-op, a 100% community owned grocery store. These meetings are free and open to the public. While we do not currently provide childcare, parents and caregivers are welcome to bring their children.
Kindly RSVP for the event here: https://forms.gle/Pbo2bB56dAutXxfk6
Disaster Food Access Working Group Monthly Roundtable (Copy)
Please join us via Zoom on Thursday, September 10 from 1–2 p.m. for our next monthly D-FAWG roundtable!
This month, we will hear from Maria Muñoz, a doctoral candidate at Tulane University, who will share a preliminary network map illustrating how organizations and community groups worked together to provide food assistance following Hurricane Ida. Her presentation will highlight who was involved, how they connected, and opportunities to strengthen coordination ahead of future disasters.
RSVP here: https://tulane.zoom.us/meeting/register/ElxRQ0FLTb2Fm-v05Nm4TA
Disaster Food Access Working Group Monthly Roundtable
The Disaster Food Access Working Group (D-FAWG) is a collaborative initiative of the New Orleans Food Policy Council dedicated to strengthening community preparedness through relationship-building, shared learning, and cross-sector collaboration. The working group brings together emergency management agencies, emergency food providers, community organizations, farmers, food businesses, public health partners, and other stakeholders to better understand one another's roles before disasters occur.
Faces of Food: Documentary Premiere and Community Gathering
Join us for the premiere of Faces of Food and a community gathering that brings the film to life and features local chefs, growers, and local farming organizations. The gathering will include small bites, fresh produce, a flower bar, and live music.
Produced by Night Duck Productions on behalf of the Regional Food System Partnership, Faces of Food follows farmers, food workers, and advocates across South Louisiana. Through personal storytelling and on-the-ground perspectives, the film traces how food moves through our region and honors the people who make it possible at every step.
This event is free and open to the public. RSVP here to be entered into a raffle for a prize at the event.
Food Policy and Practice Meetings
Save the date for the next Food Policy and Practice Meeting.
During the meeting, we will discuss recent food policy developments, advance our advocacy skills, learn about some aspect of the local food system, and identify opportunities to promote long-term solutions to food challenges. Specific topics and discussion items will be shared in the coming weeks. If you are interested in presenting on a food policy related topic at an upcoming New Orleans Food Policy Council Meeting, please email the Regional Director at samantha@nolafoodpolicy.org
Kindly RSVP for the meeting here.
We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions, please send an email to samantha@nolafoodpolicy.org.
General Meeting
Save the date for the next New Orleans Food Policy Council General Meeting at the Community Book Center. Huge thanks to Mama Vera and Mama Jennifer for hosting us.
During the meeting, we will discuss recent food policy developments, advance our advocacy skills, learn about some aspect of the local food system, and identify opportunities to promote long-term solutions to food challenges. Specific topics and discussion items will be shared in the coming weeks. If you are interested in presenting on a food policy related topic at an upcoming New Orleans Food Policy Council Meeting, please email the Regional Director at samantha@nolafoodpolicy.org
Kindly RSVP for the meeting here.
We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions, please send an email to samantha@nolafoodpolicy.org.
Louisiana Farmer Climate Convening
Get ready for the third annual Louisiana Farmer’s Climate Convening at the Wesley Center in Woodworth, LA from January 27-29! It will be two and a half days of learning, sharing, and connecting with like-minded farmers and growers.
New Orleans Food Policy Action Council General Meeting
Join us for the bimonthly Food Policy Action Council general meeting on March 13, 11 - 12 PM via Zoom. This month, FPAC staff will share the launch of the FPAC membership program, announce our new FPAC staff, invite members to participate in our strategic planning process, and discuss strategies for preparing for the next congress and Trump-Vance administration.
Chef's Special: New Orleans FPC Meeting
Join us for a Chef's Special FPC meeting where the FPC staff and partners will share policy updates and advocacy opportunities at the local and state levels. We will share a menu of options for chef participation and facilitate an open discussion on potential next steps for advocacy. Kindly RSVP here.
Questions? Email Samantha Fleurinor, regional director of New Orleans FPC at samantha@nolafoodpolicy.org.
Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor's Election
Did you know that there is an important election Saturday, June 14 from 8am-6pm for the Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors?
This is the 7th election of its kind in state history and the first one in the Crescent District which includes Orleans, Jefferson, Saint Bernard, Saint Charles, and St. John the Baptist Parish! SWCDs work with farmers, landowners, and residents to promote the responsible use and protection of natural resources like soil, water, forests, and wildlife.
Polling locations below are open June 14th from 8am-6pm. Bring your government-issued ID. No early voting.
ORLEANS
Mid-City: New Harmony High School, 3368 Esplanade Ave
N.O. East: Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 11721 Morrison Rd
Marigny/Bywater: Press St Gallery, 5 Homer Plessy Way
JEFFERSON
Jefferson Feed Store: 4421 Jefferson HWY
Jefferson Feed Store: 2949 Veterans BLVD
ST. CHARLES
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3750: 140 Angus Dr. Luling
Knights of Columbus Home: 375 Spruce St. Norco
Alan Arterbury BLDG: 14564 River Rd. New Sarpy
Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District: Candidate Forum
Did you know that there is an important election Saturday, June 14 from 8am-6pm for the Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Board of Supervisors?
Join us for a candidate forum with Erica Johnson and Lloyd Landry IV in which they will share their thoughts and district voters can share their concerns, priorities, and expectations with both candidates through a moderated Q&A format.
Register for the forum here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9c1pEzjmS8WKGkFik2ORHg
More about the Soil and Water Conservation District
A Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a local entity designed to help communities care for their land and water, usually in the form of technical assistance to landowners. These districts work with farmers, landowners, and residents to promote the responsible use and protection of natural resources like soil, water, forests, and wildlife.
SWCDs were established during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, a time when poor land management led to widespread environmental disaster but trust in the government was low. In response, states created these locally governed citizen-led districts to ensure better stewardship of the land and be non-governmental. Today, thousands of SWCDs operate across the United States, each tailored to meet the needs of their specific region.
Each SWCD is formed through state law and governed by a local board, typically composed of elected and appointed supervisors. In Louisiana, the Crescent Soil and Water Conservation District oversees a broad and diverse region that includes:
Jefferson Parish
Orleans Parish
Saint Bernard Parish
Saint Charles Parish
St. John the Baptist Parish
Eat Local Book Club
Join us at The Broadside Theater as we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with an evening honoring Đặc Biệt by Chef Nini Nguyen—Eat Local NOLA's 2025 Book of the Year! A proud Vietnamese New Orleanian, Chef Nini shares stories and recipes that reflect the vibrant blend of her cultural heritage and hometown roots. Enjoy food, conversation, and community as we uplift local voices and flavors.
RSVP to the event here for a chance to receive a signed copy (must be present to receive).