#United States #New Orleans #Manning Family #Feeding Families #Parent Plate

Feeding Families Foundation Expands Support: The Launch of the Parent Plate Program

In a heartfelt initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity for parents of hospitalized children, the Feeding Families Foundation has proudly announced the launch of its Parent Plate Program at Manning Family Children's Hospital. This program comes as a pivotal response to support parents during some of the most stressful moments of their lives.

A Dedicated Mission

The Feeding Families Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on alleviating hospital food insecurity specifically for caregivers of critically ill children. Parents often face considerable difficulties in accessing nutritious meals while tending to their child's medical needs. With the Parent Plate Program, which formally kicks off this month—timed beautifully to coincide with the Thanksgiving holiday—the Foundation aims to provide complimentary bedside meals to the parents and caregivers of young patients receiving treatment at the hospital's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

Jeff Dorman, Co-Founder and Chair of Feeding Families Foundation, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "Our mission is clear: to nourish the parents caring for their critically ill child, allowing them to focus on what truly matters – their child’s recovery efforts." This expansion into Louisiana marks an exciting milestone for the organization and underscores the nationwide prevalence of hospital food insecurity.

Addressing Food Insecurity

The term hospital food insecurity refers to the lack of reliable and affordable meal access for caregivers, particularly during long hospital stays that can often stretch for days or even months. The Foundation's approach, which was inspired by the personal experience of its founders dealing with leukemia treatment for their daughter, aims to eliminate this challenge by simplifying the process of meal access for parents, who are already under immense stress.

The Parent Plate Program partners with hospital food service teams to deliver meals straight to the bedside, ensuring that caregivers do not need to worry about meals at a time when their focus should be on their child. The program operates on principles of accessibility and inclusivity—there are no applications, income requirements, or additional steps for families which significantly lowers the barriers to access.

Anticipated Impact

The excitement surrounding the launch of the Parent Plate Program at Manning Family Children's is palpable, with families and hospital staff looking forward to the difference it will make. Lucio Fragoso, President and CEO of Manning Family Children's, pointed out that approximately 20% of the community in New Orleans faces food insecurity. He stated, "The generous support of Feeding Families Foundation will tremendously impact our families during some of their most difficult moments, and we are grateful for their expansion in Louisiana."

This program is expected to directly help dozens of families each month, ensuring that as children receive the nourishment they need, their parents do too. Such support is critical; studies indicate that food insecurity can have serious implications for the overall well-being of both the child and the caregiver.

A Growing National Impact

Feeding Families Foundation's dedication to this cause has already resulted in the provision of thousands of meals across various states such as Connecticut, Oregon, and Illinois. As the Parent Plate Program takes root in New Orleans, its goal remains steadfast—to deliver nourishment and support during one of life’s toughest challenges, one meal, one family, and one hospital at a time.

Dorman remarked on the growth journey, asserting, "By scaling our nationwide impact, Feeding Families Foundation aims to make a difference in the lives of families enduring medical hardships."

Community and Volunteer Support

The success of the Parent Plate Program hinges on robust community partnerships and a dedicated team of volunteers. For those interested in learning more, becoming involved, or contributing to the program, the organization encourages visits to their website at feedingfamiliesfoundation.org. Your support can help extend the reach of this vital program in New Orleans and other locations across the country.

About Manning Family Children's Hospital

Manning Family Children's is a prominent 263-bed nonprofit pediatric medical center dedicated to delivering comprehensive healthcare services to children, with special attention to more than 40 pediatric specialties. With over 600 pediatric providers at their disposal, the facility not only serves New Orleans but also operates several specialty clinics across Louisiana and the Gulf South, playing an integral role in the region’s healthcare landscape.

For more information on their range of services, visit manningchildrens.org.

About Feeding Families Foundation

Founded in Connecticut, Feeding Families Foundation's mission is to eliminate food insecurity among the parents of hospitalized children through its Parent Plate Program. The initiative covers meal expenses and facilitates direct delivery to parents in their child’s hospital room, ensuring caregivers can remain at their child’s side without the added worry of finding food during distressing times. The program welcomes participants without any eligibility criteria, relying on existing food service systems for efficiency.

To stay updated about their initiatives and impact across hospitals, please visit feedingfamiliesfoundation.org.