Backpacks for Kids fights child hunger

     In a presentation to the Ascension Parish Council on Feb. 18, Volunteer Ascension Director Sherry Denig announced that they have teamed up with BASF in Geismar to fight child hunger in Ascension Parish through the Backpacks for Kids Program.

     “We have learned, especially through our teachers who are in these classrooms, who know these students, that for many of these children their school meals are the only meals they eat,” said BASF Regional Public Affairs Manager Jolen Stein.

     Stein added that BASF donated $35,000 to start the program, which began in January. Through the program, 100 students every week will receive a backpack filled with nutritional food to last through the weekend.

     “Again its only 100 students and there is 6,500 students, so the need is still there,” Stein said.

     Since its start last month, over 2,400 pounds of food has been delivered to help fight hunger.

     Stein said she wants to challenge other companies and organizations to get involved to continue to grow the program and reach the needs of all children in the Parish. Those interested in volunteering can contact Volunteer Ascension.

     Parish President Kenny Matassa said during his report that he wants to discuss with the council about adding money into the engineering department to hire a traffic and drainage specialist, though this will be discussed at a later date as there is not yet enough money to allocate into the budget.

     “What I want to do is put engineers where we need them and not really have a engineering department,” Matassa said. “If we need one in drainage and then transportation put them where they need to be. We don’t really need a large engineering department, we just need them in the right places.”

     A resolution was passed to urge support of legislation to continue funding to the LSU AgCenter offices and to request support of the Police Jury Association of Louisiana and all parish governments of the to support the funding.

     The council also approved a resolution to reinstate a Mississippi Bridge alternative at the Plaquemine crossing into the final tier environmental statement for the Baton Rouge Loop Project.

     Three ordinances were introduced – a revised development agreement for Silver Oaks PUD ordinance, revisions to the subdivision regulations in the unified land development code pertaining to cul-de-sacs and t-turnaround requirements and an amendment to the Parish zoning map to change from medium intensity residential to mixed use on the south side of La. 621, approximately 1200 feet west of Airline Highway for Lois James.

     The first council meeting of March will be held on March 2, instead of March 3 at the Donaldsonville Courthouse.