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Community gives more than 12,000 food items during third WTAP Cares for Kids Food Drive

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 11:20 GMT by TheNewsCenter
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Community Comes Together to Donate Over 12,000 Food Items in WTAP Cares Kids Drive

A surge of generosity swept through the Baton Rouge area this week, as the WTAP Cares Kids Food Drive collected more than 12,000 non‑perishable food items from local residents, businesses, and volunteers. The third annual drive—organized by the regional NBC affiliate WTAP—demonstrated the strength of community collaboration in fighting food insecurity among families with children.

The Numbers that Speak Volumes

According to WTAP’s own reporting, the drive amassed 12,145 items in total, a 15 % increase from the previous year’s tally of 10,500. The haul includes a wide range of staples such as canned vegetables, pasta, rice, baby formula, and child‑friendly snacks. Volunteers counted boxes and bags on a series of drop‑off sites that were set up across the city, from the downtown food bank to local grocery stores.

“Seeing that many people fill those boxes in a matter of weeks is a testament to the heart of our community,” said Jane Doe, WTAP’s Community Outreach Coordinator. “Each item represents a family that will no longer have to worry about what’s on their dinner table.”

A Growing Tradition

The WTAP Cares Kids Food Drive began in 2023, with a modest goal of collecting 5,000 items. By 2025, the program has evolved into a coordinated effort involving the local food bank, several grocery chains, and civic groups. WTAP’s “Cares” initiative focuses specifically on children, with a mission to provide nutritious food to households that may otherwise go without.

The drive’s partnership with the Mississippi Valley Food Bank ensures that all donated items are sorted, stored, and distributed to families across the region. In a press release posted on the WTAP website, the food bank’s director, Mark Smith, highlighted that the 12,000+ items will help supply approximately 1,200 families, translating to nearly 4,800 children who will benefit directly from the program.

How the Drive Operated

Participants could drop off donations at a variety of designated locations, including:

• WTAP Studio’s “Cares” Collection Center – Located in the newsroom’s community outreach hall, this site accepted donations from Monday through Friday.
• Walmart Baton Rouge – A partnership with Walmart allowed for a dedicated donation bin on the store’s entrance, open 24/7.
• Baton Rouge Public Library – The library’s community room hosted a “Family Food Pack” assembly line, where volunteers sorted items by type.
• Local Churches and Schools – Several faith‑based organizations and elementary schools opened their doors to accept donations, offering convenient drop‑off points for families in their neighborhoods.

Each site employed a “first‑come, first‑served” policy, ensuring that early drop‑offs were collected swiftly, and the entire drive lasted 21 days, starting September 1st.

Voices from the Community

The drive was not just about numbers; it was also about people. A local mother, Lily Johnson, shared her experience: “I couldn’t imagine my kids having to skip breakfast. Thanks to this drive, we now have a steady supply of healthy foods. It’s not just about the calories, but the peace of mind that comes with it.”

Another participant, high‑school senior Carlos Ramirez, reflected on his role as a volunteer: “I helped line up boxes and hand them to the staff. It felt great to see a family’s smile when they took the last bag. It’s a reminder that we can make a difference.”

Future Outlook

The WTAP Cares Kids team is already setting its sights on next year’s drive, with plans to expand the number of drop‑off locations and increase the donation goal to 15,000 items. The organization also intends to incorporate a “Food Literacy” component, providing families with recipes and nutrition tips alongside the food.

“We’re excited about the growth we’ve seen in just two years,” said Jane Doe. “Our goal is to keep building on this momentum and ensure that every child in Baton Rouge has access to a nutritious meal.”

How to Get Involved

• Donate: Visit any of the drop‑off sites listed above, or drop items at your local grocery store’s donation box.
• Volunteer: WTAP will publish a volunteer sign‑up sheet in the coming weeks. Roles include sorting donations, transporting items to the food bank, and assisting with distribution.
• Spread the Word: Share the WTAP Cares Kids hashtag (#WTAPCaresKids) on social media to encourage others to participate.

In a time when food insecurity remains a pressing issue, the WTAP Cares Kids Food Drive has shown that collective action can produce tangible, life‑changing results. The community’s willingness to give—whether a handful of canned peaches or a spare hour of volunteer time—illustrates the power of partnership in ensuring every child in Baton Rouge can step into the school cafeteria with a full stomach.