At Operation Family Fund in Benton, LA, we are dedicated to providing vital financial assistance to eligible service members and their families through grants that address essential needs such as medical care and home purchases. Our mission is to support those who have sacrificed for our country by offering a lifeline during challenging times. Each grant requires verification of a service-connected disability rating by a case manager, social worker, or doctor, and families may receive up to two grants with a minimum gap of six months between them. While we currently face a high demand for assistance and are unable to accept new applications for our waiting list due to a shortfall in funding, we remain committed to serving those in need and hope to restore our services as soon as possible.

Located in Benton, LA, the Benton UMC Food Pantry is dedicated to alleviating food insecurity by offering quality food assistance to individuals and families in need. Our mission is to provide essential nutrition to those facing difficult circumstances, including unexpected events such as homelessness, job loss, or other crises. We prioritize delivering emergency food to ensure that families do not go hungry during these challenging times. With a focus on meeting basic nutritional needs, our pantry serves as a vital resource for the Benton community, helping to nourish hope and resilience in our neighbors.

Located in Benton, LA, Seeds for the Harvest Community Garden invites individuals to connect with nature and cultivate their own produce through our accessible garden beds. We enrich these raised beds with nutrient-rich compost and provide starter plants to participants benefitting from our Table Food Ministries. Our initiative emphasizes education, offering valuable gardening advice alongside cooking and storage classes to enhance nutritional knowledge. Additionally, our dedicated team assists local property owners and renters by constructing raised beds with landlord approval, fostering a spirit of collaboration and empowerment within the community. Join us in nurturing both plants and relationships as we grow together.

Head Start in Benton, LA, is dedicated to empowering low-income children and their families through a comprehensive approach to early childhood education. This vital program, backed by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, focuses on school readiness for children aged 3 to 5, fostering their growth and development in an enriching and supportive environment. Head Start offers essential services including early learning opportunities, health and development screenings, nutrition services, and family support, ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed. Families interested in enrolling can easily find the application through the local Bossier Early Childhood Community Network.

At the Benton UMC Food Pantry in Benton, LA, we are dedicated to alleviating food insecurity by providing essential food assistance to individuals and families in need. Our mission is to ensure that no one goes hungry, especially during unforeseen hardships such as homelessness, fire, or job loss. We offer a variety of quality food items to meet basic nutritional needs, serving as a vital resource for those who may not qualify for other support programs. By focusing on delivering emergency food and sustaining community well-being, we strive to uplift and nurture the lives of our neighbors in need.

The Hub in Benton, LA, is dedicated to transforming lives by providing essential services to those in need. With a focus on helping the homeless through The Lovewell Center and supporting women and children affected by human trafficking through the Purchased: Not for Sale program, The Hub strives to create a community where everyone has the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Our mission is rooted in compassion and action, ensuring that every individual has access to the support and resources necessary to thrive. Together, we work to foster a safer and more restored community for all.

Located in Benton, LA, the Food Pantry is dedicated to alleviating food insecurity by providing essential food assistance to local households in need. Our mission is to deliver quality food items that ensure every individual and family has access to critical nutrition. We welcome anyone facing hunger to visit our pantry during open hours for support and to learn about the resources we offer. Together, we strive to make a positive impact on the community by meeting basic nutritional needs and fostering hope for a healthier future.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Benton, LA, is dedicated to supporting low-income households by providing monthly benefits that assist them in purchasing nutritious food for their families. Through SNAP, eligible participants receive vital food assistance, which may complement their own resources to help manage their monthly food budgets effectively. In addition to regular SNAP benefits, families can access the Louisiana Combined Application Project (LaCAP) to further enhance their food security. While we are currently experiencing higher inquiry volumes due to COVID-19 which may result in longer wait times, we remain committed to serving our community and encourage clients to stay informed about updates on our programs and services.

The Backpack Program in Benton, LA, is a vital initiative of the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, dedicated to combating childhood hunger by providing chronically hungry children with a convenient backpack filled with nutritious food for weekends and holidays. Each backpack, weighing between 7 to 10 pounds, is thoughtfully packed with essential items such as granola bars, fruit juice, and easy-to-open canned goods, ensuring that these children have access to food that meets their basic nutritional needs. Our mission is focused on alleviating food insecurity and supporting the wellbeing of our youth, making a tangible difference in their lives when they need it most.

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Food Program in Benton, LA, is dedicated to fostering healthy food choices for low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to five years old. Our mission is to empower families through essential services that include nutrition education, access to supplemental foods, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care resources. We are committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity for a healthy start in life and that mothers receive the guidance and assistance they need during this critical time.

Located in Benton, LA, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is dedicated to enhancing nutrition and fostering healthy habits among low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as children from birth to age five. Our multifaceted approach includes comprehensive nutrition education, access to supplemental foods, and robust breastfeeding promotion and support. Additionally, we provide vital referrals to health care services, ensuring that families receive the holistic support they need for a healthy start.

Located in Benton, LA, the Diabetes & Nutrition Center stands as a pioneering force in diabetes self-management education, being the first such program in the Shreveport-Bossier metropolitan area recognized by the American Diabetes Association. Our mission is to empower individuals living with diabetes through comprehensive education provided by our Certified Diabetes Educators. We offer specialized services, including insulin pump training, gestational diabetes management, and intensive insulin therapy, ensuring that patients can actively manage their condition. Additionally, our registered dietitians deliver medical nutrition therapy, focusing on lifestyle management for weight control and the reduction of chronic disease risks like cardiovascular disease and hypertension. We invite those seeking support in diabetes management and nutrition to connect with us through a physician referral for tailored training and resources available at our center.

Early Head Start in Benton, LA, is dedicated to empowering families from pregnancy through a child's third birthday by providing a comprehensive Early Education and Child Development program. Our services focus on enhancing early learning experiences, conducting essential health and development screenings, and offering robust family support to address the diverse needs of expectant parents, infants, and toddlers. We strive to create a nurturing environment that promotes healthy growth and development, ensuring every child has a strong foundation for future success.