The Ben D. Johnson Educational (BDJ) Center will offer free food boxes to Natchitoches residents who have been impacted by the COVID-19 virus.

As part of the Operation CENLA United, the United Way of Northwest Louisiana has provided grant funds to the BDJ Center to purchase and distribute food to community members. The food boxes will be handed out on Friday, May 1 from 11AM – 1PM while supplies last. The BDJ Center will distribute the food from their social enterprise, the Legacy Café in the courtyard located at 441 North Street.

To qualify, persons must be negatively impacted from COVID-19 such as job loss. Requirements include providing information: photo identification for head of household, proof of date of birth, proof of mailing address, number of adults and children in household, and how the virus has impacted the person/family.

The BDJ Center is looking for volunteers that can assist with this project, masks and gloves will be provided.

Claire Prymus, founder and Board Chair, “We are grateful for the financial support from United Way to be able to serve our community during this difficult time.”

For more information about acquiring a food box or becoming a volunteer, contact the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center at (318) 460-7460.

Founded by Claire Prymus in honor of her late uncle, the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to build community in Natchitoches and give access to social and economic success for all of its residents.