In 2021, neighbors and community advocates came together to solve a problem – the food desert on the Northside of Lafayette. Together with local organizations like United Way of Acadiana and Second Harvest of South Louisiana, they created Makin’ Groceries. The Makin’ Groceries Store will build on the success of the Makin’ Groceries Mobile Market, Second Harvest’s grocery store on wheels. This nonprofit grocery store will be located in the 70501 zip code, an area designated as a food desert by the USDA.

“Access to healthy, affordable food is a fundamental right, yet many face barriers stemming from poverty, food deserts, and limited nutrition education. The Makin’ Groceries Store is a direct response to these challenges and will be a hub for nourishment, empowerment, and positive change,” says Paul Scelfo, Chief Regional Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank. 

“A lot of these families don’t have cars or maybe have one car and don’t have the ability to drive to just have more options,” said Heather Blanchard, president and CEO of United Way.