Following its recent board meeting and charity check presentation, the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society (BRES) turned its focus to hands-on service, inviting family and friends to join in a Volunteer Day supporting the Backpacker Program.

“After our meeting and check presentations, we wanted to create an opportunity for everyone to stay, serve, and truly be part of the impact,” said Sarah Gray. “It was important to us that our families and friends could see firsthand what these efforts mean for our community.”

More than 20 BRES board members, along with over 20 friends and family, gathered with one shared goal: assembling backpack kits that provide critical food support to local children in need. By the end of the day, an impressive 1,600 backpack kits were completed.

“These backpacks help fill a very real need,” Gray shared. “They provide food for children who might otherwise go without over weekends or school breaks, and that makes a tangible difference for families.”

The Backpacker Program ensures students have access to nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals when school meals are unavailable, helping bridge food insecurity gaps across the Baton Rouge community.

The collaborative spirit extended beyond the Epicurean Society itself. Several charity partners—after receiving their donation checks—stayed behind to volunteer alongside the group. Additional support came from student volunteers representing LSU, St. Joseph’s Academy, and Our Lady of Mercy School, turning the afternoon into a true community-wide effort.

“It was really special to see so many groups working together,” Gray said. “This day was a reminder that when people come together with a shared purpose, the impact multiplies.”

Volunteers were fueled throughout the day thanks to refreshments generously provided by Raising Cane’s and Crave-A-Balls, along with king cakes donated by Kim Dodd Boasso, adding a sweet local touch to the meaningful work.

The Epicurean Society’s Volunteer Day showcased not only its commitment to philanthropy, but also its dedication to building community through service—one backpack at a time.

Learn more:
Raising Cane’s – https://www.raisingcanes.com
Crave-A-Balls – https://craveaballs.com