nourishing our neighbors: food pantry

hunger doesn’t wait – and neither can we

Originally launched during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, our pantry has grown into a trusted resource for Lower Ninth Ward residents. We partner with Second Harvest Food Bank to ensure shelves stay stocked with fresh produce, pantry staples, and nutritious options.

pantry details

when: Saturdays 10:00am-2:00pm
where: 1739 Jourdan Avenue

staggered pickup times (by last name)

To help reduce wait times and keep things running smoothly, we ask that you come during the hour assigned to the first letter of your last name:

A-F: 10:00am – 11:00am

G-L: 11:00am – 12:00pm

M-S: 12:00pm – 1:00pm

T-Z: 1:00pm – 2:00pm

our story

lowernine.org was founded in 2007 with the goal of rebuilding homes in the Lower 9th Ward after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the federal levee failures. As we continued our work in the community, the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges. With home construction projects on pause and volunteer availability limited, we pivoted to address the urgent need for food security in the community. From distributing 26,687 pounds of food through a mobile pantry, we realized the growing importance of providing consistent access to healthy food.

Since opening lowernine.org’s permanent food pantry, we have distributed over 800,000 pounds of food.

Read an interview with our executive director Laura Paul by Will Coviello from the New Orleans Gambit to learn more.

why it matters

Upcoming changes to SNAP (formerly food stamps), as outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, threaten to make food access even harder for families across Louisiana. New work requirements and reduced federal reimbursement for states’ SNAP administrative costs may place additional strain on both individuals and the local organizations that support them.

want to help?

Our food pantry is powered by neighbors helping neighbors. We aren’t currently accepting food donations directly at the pantry, but our community fridge at 1609 Delery St welcomes food donations. We’re most in need of:

  • canned proteins
  • pasta and rice
  • fresh fruit and vegetables
  • hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, menstrual products)

You can also support this work by donating to lowernine.org or checking out our incredible partner: Second Harvest Food Bank

  • Fresh produce displayed at a market: bags of sweet potatoes, bundles of celery, packs of colorful cherry tomatoes, and tubs of salsa.
  • Green banner with orange fleur-de-lis, 'Second Harvest Food Bank' text, motto 'Together We Can Solve Hunger,' and highlighted Louisiana map section.
  • A fridge filled with stacked containers of soup and boxes of broccoli cheddar soup, assorted frozen pies, and packaged foods.
  • A variety of canned vegetables stacked on a shelf, including green beans, sweet peas, and peaches.
  • Two volunteers stand smiling in front of a Second Harvest Food Bank truck, which reads "Feeding Acadiana, No-Hunger.org."
  • People organize items on metal shelves in a food pantry, surrounded by canned goods and bags of grains.
  • Group posing outside a small house with a "lowernine.org" sign with information about the food pantry and community fridge.
  • A pile of fresh, dark green cucumbers with small stickers inside a partially open plastic bag on a wooden surface.
  • Crates of fresh produce at a market. Left crate: light brown onions. Right crate: orange sweet potatoes. Underneath: cucumbers wrapped in plastic.
  • Volunteers organize brown paper bags filled with groceries under a tent at a food drive.
  • Five people wearing masks stand arm-in-arm in front of a truck outdoors, smiling.