Lend a Hand NOLA

New Orleans is of course famous for its unique food culture. What is cold weather without gumbo, or Mondays without red beans and rice? While many agree that we have the most unique cuisine in America, we unfortunately also have high rates of childhood obesity, diabetes and heart disease. A lot of great local nonprofit organizations have been created in response to these chronic issues. From increasing access to healthy food by building urban gardens to providing nutritional education, many of these organizations are making a difference in New Orleans.

To help promote and support these organizations, NetWork Voluntours in conjunction with the National Fresh Food Day, Tulane Prevention Research Center and the French Market are organizing the inaugural New Orleans Fresh Food Volunteer Day on Saturday, October 24th from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Volunteers must register here.

The day is part of “a national day to make changes in our own diets and to take action to solve food-related problems in our community.” More than 10 urban gardens and food banks will be participating including:

• Vintage Garden Farms
• Sankofa Community Development Corporation
• Capstone Community Gardens
• Just the Right Attitude Food Bank
• Sprout NOLA

The day hopes to recruit up to 300 volunteers and there will be an after-event for volunteers.

Interested in getting involved? Sign up to volunteer here. We look forward to getting our hands dirty for the 2015 NOLA Fresh Food Day and hope to see you there.