Community Outreach Archives - Baton Rouge Family Fun

Baton Rouge Zoo Family Zoo Run Run

October 13, 2021 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Whether you are a turtle or a hare there is fun for all to be had at the Baton Rouge Zoo’s 16th annual Family Zoo Run Run on Saturday, November 13th, 2021. Run like a cheetah to the 16th annual Zoo Run Run 2-Mile Race and ½ Mile Kids’ Fun Run presented by Ochsner! At the run, enjoy the scenery as you scamper, trot or gallop your way through BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. All proceeds from the race support your Baton Rouge Zoo and international cheetah conservation efforts. Again this year, all participants earn a medal! After the race, participants are invited to join the Zoo for food, refreshments, and an award ceremony.

REGISTER HERE!

Baton Rouge Zoo Family Zoo Run Run

Where else do you get to run alongside cheetahs, elephants, monkeys, and more?

Race Day

Race day registration will be located at the front entrance of the Zoo. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Baton Rouge, take Exit 8A off of I-110 North and turn right onto Highway 19. Continue to the second stop light and turn right onto Thomas Road. The Zoo entrance is one mile on the left.

On-Site Registration Begins 6:30am

Kids 1/2 Mile Fun Run Begins 7:30am

2 Mile Race Begins 8:15am

Chip Timing

Only 2-Mile runners will be timed. Your RFID timing chip will be attached to your race bib.

Race T-Shirts

Only participants who are pre-registered by October 22nd are guaranteed a Zoo Run Run t-shirt in thier size on Race Day.

Entry Fees*

Adult/Teen Registration

Pre-registration (by Nov 13): $30
Race Day Registration: $35

Child Registration (ages 12 and under)

Pre-registration: $17
Race Day Registration: $22

REGISTER HERE!

For more Family Zoo Run Run information check out: BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Website

For questions or to volunteer, please call (225) 775-3877 or email info@brzoo.org.

Flock on down and join the herd for a great event for competitive and casual runners, walkers, and families alike, all for a great cause. We hope to see you there!

Hurricane Ida Relief: How to Help and Get Help for Louisiana Victims

September 5, 2021 by Tiany Davis

The people of Southwest Louisiana know how to take care of themselves, and each other. Once in a while, though, hurricanes and floods require them to reach out for a little help to recover. Local and national volunteers and aid groups are providing resources, food, shelter, and more to those who have been affected by Hurricane Ida and its aftermath. We’ve put together a list of Hurricane Ida Relief organizations directly helping those impacted by the storm.

Hurricane Ida Relief – How You Can Help or Get Help:

Local Relief

Baton Rouge Food Bank With community support, we have served the hungry in our 11 parish service areas for more than 30 years. The food bank needs volunteers to help with mobile distribution, sorting, and packing. Register here. If you are in need of food, please visit the Hurricane Ida Mobile Distributions Locations.

Three O’clock Project Three O’clock Project is coming to Baton Rouge, East Jefferson, and Belle Chasse to distribute FREE shelf-stable meals for any child 18 and under. Each box will contain 7 days of healthy supper and snacks. Please visit their Facebook page for details and DONATE if you are able!

Bethany Church: Bethany is focusing our finances and manpower on feeding thousands of displaced people and helping to muck out flooded homes and churches. They are partnering with organizations to make efforts more efficient.

BREC With school out, BREC is starting free emergency camps for children in East Baton Rouge Parish. You can register at brec.org/emergencycamp.

The Church in Livingston Parish (26490 S. Frost Rd.) has been giving out food boxes and serving hot meals while supplies last. The Church is located on the corner of Highway 63 and Highway 42 in Livingston.

True Light Baptist Church (3836 North Street) has been handing out supplies.

Baton Rouge Area Foundation Relief Organizations in Louisiana are pretty good at taking care of our people. Once in a while, though, storms like Hurricane Ida stretch their resources. Your one contribution to the Foundation’s Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund will help many organizations provide water and food, medicines and shelter to people across South Louisiana.

Second Harvest Food Bank – Feeding South Louisiana: Serves South Louisiana, has prepared more than 3,500 disaster-readiness food boxes with items like rehydration drinks and nutrition bars, as well as bottled water. It also maintains cooking equipment that can be transported to heat prepared meals. Donations of bottled water and cleaning supplies are welcome. Volunteers can apply to help, but donating money is the most efficient way to assist the aid effort.

Volunteer Louisiana is asking for donations and volunteers to aid in Hurricane Ida’s recovery efforts. Find donations opportunities here and volunteer opportunities here. Volunteer Louisiana also works with other non-profit agencies to help in recovery efforts.

Culture Aid NOLA has set up an impromptu cooking hub at the Howlin’ Wolf nightclub in New Orleans using thawing food from the freezers of restaurants experiencing power outages. The meals will be distributed to people in need, said Julie Pfeffer, a director. It needs volunteers, trucks, and takeaway containers.

All Hands and Hearts prepared for Ida by stationing its disaster assessment and response team in Beaumont, Texas. Its volunteers will enter areas affected by the storm when they can, meeting initial needs that will probably include chain-saw work to clear debris and trees, roof tarping, mucking and gutting flooded houses, and sanitizing homes with mold contamination.

Bayou Community Foundation works with local partners in Terrebonne Parish, Lafourche Parish, and Grand Isle in coastal southeast Louisiana. It has set up an Ida relief fund.

FEMA FEMA is providing many different types of help to Hurricane Ida survivors. Different types of assistance may be activated as we work with our state partners to identify needs. One of the available forms of assistance right now is Critical Needs Assistance, which can provide a one-time award of up to $500 to eligible survivors. Housing assistance is also available to eligible survivors.

To be eligible, survivors need to be residents of a parish that was included in the federal disaster declaration, and need to first apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA app, or by calling (800) 621-3362.

Learn more about FEMA assistance for housing and other needs and what to expect after applying for assistance.

National Organizations

The Salvation Army: Your donation helps keep The Salvation Army on the front lines, buying meals, drinks, snacks, and other critical commodities desperately needed by survivors and rescue workers. For more information, visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org. Or if you or someone you know needs to talk, please call our emotional & spiritual care hotline at 1-844-458-HOPE (4673).

Catholic Charities USA: Your support helps people through the immediate aftermath and continues helping them as they work through the long process of recovery. 100% of donations go to relief efforts through this link.

Save The Children: Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis, and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. By transforming children’s lives now, we change the course of their future and ours.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief – Meets the urgent needs of communities in crisis, from serving food to volunteers in rebuilding communities.

Direct Relief USA: Direct Relief offers prescription drugs and other medical supplies to those who need them in emergency situations and works with clinics and primary care doctors to ensure that people are able to get what they need when they need it.

Samaritan’s Purse : Samaritan’s Purse is deploying staff members and one of our Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief units to Lake Charles, Louisiana, in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.

We will continue updating this list daily as we receive news of more ways to help and assist the victims of Hurricane Ida. If you know of resources, aid, or distribution sites, please contact us with more info.

Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness: Sandbags, Checklists & Resources

August 25, 2021 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

A category 2 or 3 hurricane is expected to make landfall late Sunday or early Monday. While it’s not time to panic, it is time to prepare. Residents are urged to have an emergency plan in place. Having been through hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Rita, Issac, and the Great Flood of 2016, natural disasters are something we have become accustomed to preparing for. For those unsure of where to start, our handy guide will walk you through your preparations – Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness resources can also be found below.

We will update this post as more information becomes available.

Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness Useful Links

Baton Rouge Sandbag locations:

Residents are urged to bring their own shovels to fill the sandbags.

EAST BATON ROUGE

BREC Airline Highway Fairgrounds, 16072 Airline Hwy
BREC Alsen Park, 601 Old Rafe Mayer Road
BREC Cadillac Street, 6117 Cadillac Street
BREC Doyles Bayou Park, 7801 Port Hudson-Pride Road
BREC Flannery Road Park, 801 S Flannery Road
BREC Harley-Vey at Gardere Park, 1702 Gardere Lane
BREC Lovett Road Park, 13443 Lovett Road (Due to construction, sand has been moved to the back parking lot)
BREC Memorial Stadium, 1702 Foss Street

West Baton Rouge Parish

William & Lee Park, 1631 Louisiana Ave., Port Allen
Rivault Park, 900 South Jefferson Ave., Port Allen
Alexander Park, 250 Elaine St., Brusly
Erwinville Park, 5110 Rougon Rd, Port Allen
Myhand Park, 8201 Laws Rd, Addis
South Winterville Water Tower
Lobdell Fire Station, 2937 Lafiton Ln, Port Allen
Addis Fire Station, 6875 Hwy 1, Addis

ASCENSION PARISH

Prairieville Fire Department, 14517 LA-73, Prairieville
Paula Park, LA 933, Galvez
5th Ward Fire Department, 39110 LA-22, Darrow
Butch Gore Memorial Park, 14550 Harry Savoy Rd., St. Amant
Ascension Parish Fire Protection District No. 1, 13192 Airline Hwy., Gonzales
Stevens Park, 4323 Cannon Road, Gonzales
Jackie Robinson Memorial Park, 35638 Coco Road, Geismar

Stay informed! For more information, contact MOHSEP at (225) 389-2100, follow Red Stick Ready (@RedStickReady) on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter, and download the Red Stick Ready mobile application – free on Apple and Android devices by searching “Red Stick Ready”. Residents are urged to bring their own shovels to fill the sandbags. Real-time information about the locations can also be found at: http://gis.brla.gov/emergency

School Closings:

Any school closures will be updated as more information is available.

List of Flood-Prone Baton Rouge Streets

Attempting to pass through the barricades once they have placed across the street is a traffic violation that will be enforced. Try to prepare for heavy rain, possible flooding, and power outages. Avoid driving if possible. Call (225) 389-2000 for non-emergency issues or 311 for high water, power outage, and downed trees in your area.

Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide

This Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide is an excellent, comprehensive resource! From identifying the most likely risks to providing sheltering information, evacuation routes, listing supplies to identifying special needs, and more. This Guide should be YOUR Guide to personal planning and business planning.

Top 10 Emergency Preparedness Apps

Red Stick Ready (iOS) The East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness strives to provide critical information to the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish to help them prepare for, respond to and recover from all emergency situations. The got to resource for Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness.
iMapWeather Radio (iOS) this is by far my favorite app but it does cost $9.99. You will receive critical voice and text alerts on threatening weather events. Your iPhone will “wake up” and also “follow you” with alerts wherever you go. Listen to local weather forecasts while you are on the move. Enjoy the power of an NOAA Weather Radio, with all the convenience and precision of a smartphone. Winner of MediaPost’s Appy Award in the weather category.

Hurricane Tracker –(iOS) $2.99 offers detailed storm maps, Hurricane Center info, threat level maps, audio/video forecast updates, real-time feeds and push alerts.

Hurricane — (iOS) FREE American Red Cross for both Android or iOS is a newer, totally free addition to Android’s growing hurricane-tracking stable, but it’s more than just a tracker — this app lets you “monitor conditions in your area or throughout the storm track, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out.

FEMA Install the FEMA App, available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices.

StopDisaster- $1.99 If you can’t stop the calamity, you can stop it from turning into a disaster if you are organized. The app provides a handy series of items you’ll need on hand for various emergencies – floods, earthquakes, high winds etc.

Phone Aid – $1.99 CPR is one of the things not covered by most basic preparedness courses (it’s standalone training) this app offers a series of slideshows that will help jog your memory if you’ve done CPR training and, if not, provides some first aid measures to do while you wait for emergency services.

Disaster Alert – (Andriod) – Disaster Alert (by PDC) – Current global disaster info on an interactive map Disaster Alert (by PDC), Active Hazards on an interactive map and in a list as they are occurring around the globe. Additional hazard information can be viewed and shared.

Preparation Before the Storm:

— Use hurricane shutters or board up windows and doors with 5/8 inch plywood.
— Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.
— Clear gutters of debris.
— Reinforce the garage door.
— Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.
— Fill a bathtub with water.
— Get full tank of gas in one car.
— Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.
— Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.
— Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes, if possible.
— Store important documents — passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds — in a watertight container.
— Have a current inventory of household property.
— Leave a note to say where you are going.
— Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.
— If possible, turn off the electricity, gas, and water for residence.

Emergency Preparedness list:

— A three-day supply of water, one gallon per person per day.
— Three days of food, with suggested items including canned meats, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, canned juice, peanut butter, jelly, salt-free crackers, energy/protein bars, trail mix/nuts, dry cereal, cookies, or other comfort food.
— A can opener.
— Flashlight(s).
— A battery-powered radio, preferably a weather radio.
— Extra batteries.
— A first aid kit, including latex gloves; sterile dressings; soap/cleaning agent; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in small, medium and large sizes; eyewash; a thermometer; aspirin/pain reliever; anti-diarrhea tablets; antacids; laxatives; small scissors; tweezers; petroleum jelly, having the best inversion table for back pain is also a plus and it will help a lot with any pain emergencies.
— A small fire extinguisher.
— A seven-day supply of medications.
— Vitamins.
— A multipurpose tool, with pliers and a screwdriver.
— Cell phones and chargers.
— Contact information for the family.
— A sleeping bag for each person.
— Extra cash.
— A silver foil emergency blanket.
— A map of the area.
— Baby supplies.
— Pet supplies.
— Wet wipes.
— A camera (to document storm damage).
— Insect repellent.
— Rain gear.
— Tools and supplies for securing your home.
— Plastic sheeting.
— Duct tape.
— Dust masks.
— An extra set of house keys.
— An extra set of car keys.
— An emergency ladder to evacuate the second floor.
— Household bleach.
— Paper cups, plates, and paper towels.
— Activities for children.
— Charcoal and matches, if you have a portable grill. But only use it outside.

Recover

Wait until an area is declared safe before returning home.
Remember that recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process.

Sources: Redstick Ready, American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, NHC – Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness

Healthy Mamas research study – Pennington Biomedical

August 20, 2021 by Guest Contributor

Less than 15 weeks pregnant? Want to learn about healthy habits for you and your growing baby? Join the Healthy Mamas research study! Your child’s long-term health begins in the womb, and what you eat during your pregnancy influences the health of your baby.

Research has shown that excess weight gain during pregnancy can have long-term consequences for both mother and baby. In recent years, almost half of all pregnant women in the United States gained more than the recommended amount of weight over the course of their pregnancies. An estimated 1.1 million women in the U.S. each year enter pregnancy with obesity, and women with obesity before pregnancy have the highest likelihood of gaining excess weight during pregnancy.

The good news is that for women with excess body fat, staying close to the same weight throughout pregnancy and losing some body fat throughout pregnancy may help prevent health problems during pregnancy and delivery and improve long-term health for both mother and baby! Prior research from Pennington Biomedical Research Center found that women with obesity who maintained weight or lost a modest amount of weight during pregnancy did not lose precious water, placenta, or baby weight – they just lost unhealthy body fat!

Healthy Mamas Research Study

Researchers at Pennington Biomedical have developed the Healthy Mamas study to further research weight maintenance and determine the health effects of a lifestyle program that supports weight maintenance during pregnancy in women with obesity. Participation in the study lasts about 8 months, and study participants will complete 4 clinic visits and 3 or 4 short ultrasound visits in the Pennington Biomedical outpatient clinic throughout pregnancy until 2 weeks postpartum.

Every mom who participates in the Healthy Mamas study will receive at no cost:

Education on healthy behaviors during pregnancy
Follow-up during pregnancy to assess changes in weight, eating, activity, and health
Follow-up at 2 weeks postpartum to assess mother and baby’s health
Compensation of up to $400 for time and participation.

To qualify for this study, participants should:

Be a woman less than 15 weeks pregnant
Be 18-45 years old ·
Have a Body Mass Index between 35.0 and 55.0 [calculate your BMI here]
Be expecting one baby in the current pregnancy
Be willing to eat study foods
Be willing to enroll their infant for study procedures after birth

If you are interested in volunteering for the Healthy Mamas study, visit the website to screen online or to learn more! https://bit.ly/HealthyMamasStudy

You can also learn more by calling 225-326-0546 or emailing moms@pbrc.edu.

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company that sponsored it compensated Baton Rouge Family Fun via payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.

Back to School Supply Drives, Events, & Programs

July 19, 2021 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

The first day of school is quickly approaching families in the Baton Rouge area. The start of the school year can be a stressful time for families. For one in five children living in poverty, parents often have to choose between buying school supplies or putting food on the table. Yet, whether they’re attending class online or in the classroom, school supplies remain critical to helping students feel prepared to succeed. Here’s a running list of back-to-school events to help parents prepare their children for the upcoming school year.

Back to School Baton Rouge Supply Drives, Events, & Programs

Back to School Bash and School Supply Giveaway

EBR Schools is hosting their annual city-wide Back to School Bash and School Supply Giveaway! Join EBR Schools at the Raising Cane’s River Center Saturday, August 7th, from 10 am – 4 pm for a fun-filled day. Get ready for school all in one place! Get information about all of the wonderful opportunities available for students and families in East Baton Rouge Parish, along with enjoying free fitness sessions, health screenings, haircuts, entertainment, and more!

WBRZ Stuff the Bus

WBRZ’s Stuff the Bus Campaign is a school supply drive that assists parents and teachers in East Baton Rouge Parish and West Baton Rouge Parish to receive the school supplies their children need in order to succeed.

Help them fill up East Baton Rouge Parish school buses and West Baton Rouge Parish school buses with school supplies for the children of our community! Drop off supplies on Wednesday, July 28th, at the Walmart on College Drive in East Baton Rouge and the Walmart in Port Allen in West Baton Rouge.

Salvation Army Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive

The Salvation Army is joining forces with Walmart to “Stuff the Bus” for children in need. During this year’s Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive event, shoppers visiting the Wal-Mart on Burbank and College Dr. on Saturday, the 24th, from 9 am to 4 pm can purchase and drop off requested items at Salvation Army collection bins at the front of each store. The goal is to provide new school supplies to children in need of a fresh start to the school year.

All donations made at Stuff the Bus campaign events will remain in the community to help The Salvation Army provide back-to-school support to children in need.

Annual Backpack Give-Away Back to School Community Fair

The Salvation Army is hosting its Annual Backpack Give-Away Back to School Community Fair on Saturday, July 31st, at 4025 W Brookstown Dr. from 10 am to 1 pm.

Lunch, Health and Educational Exhibits, Carnival Games, Prizes, and more! *For Backpack Give-Away, parents must bring ID. Child must be present. Pre-K through 8th Grade only. Limited to the first 400 children. Child must be present at the event to receive a backpack*

Family and Youth Service Center

Very little feels as good to a kid as starting school all prepared. Very little feels as bad as walking in on the first day with nothing.

Help Family and Youth Service Center make kids feel great on their first day. Please help them fill the barrel at the Family and Youth Service Center, 1120 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802.

They’re open from 8-5 Monday through Friday. You can contact them by ph 225-239-7801 or roxson@fysc-ebr.org

Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office

Back to School Bash at Main Event

Date and time

Sat, July 31, 2021

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT

Featuring:

● An exclusive activity from our brand-new STEAM-based program, Play Academy

● Birthday & School Group Booking Specials

● 1 Hour of FREE Arcade Play

● ½ Priced Bowling

● Contests and Prizes

● Face Painting and a Balloon Artist

● Local Vendors

Must RSVP via Eventbrite to save your spot – space is limited!

Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge this Summer with BREC

June 1, 2021 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

The extremely popular Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge are back this summer at BREC! Kids ages 5 to 12 have the opportunity to learn to swim like a fish and take on a skill that will serve them for a lifetime! Registration for session two is coming up on June 15. Mark your calendars and get your kiddo ready to dive into summer!

BREC, SELA Aquatics, and the American Red Cross are pleased to offer FREE swimming lessons for the 2021 season as part of the Centennial Campaign. SELA Aquatics employees will teach free lessons using the Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program.

Registration is being done on a first-come, first-served basis. All sessions will be capped to ensure the health and safety of program participants + proper instructor: student ratios.

Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge

Session One (June 8 – 18 @ Anna T Jordan)

Registration opens online on or before June 1 at 5pm.
Ages 5-12
- 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
- 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
Note: All lessons will take place at ATJ Pool

REGISTRATION IS FULL!

Session Two (June 20 – July 2 @ City Books Pool)

Registration opens online starting June 15
Ages 5-12
- 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
- 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
Note: All lessons will take place at Brooks (City Park) Pool

Session Three (July 6 – 16 @ Anna T Jordan Pool)

Registrations will only be collected in person at ATJ during regular hours starting June 15, and online starting June 22 (if spots are available)
Ages 5-12
- 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
- 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
Note: All lessons will take place at ATJ Pool

Session Four (July 20 – July 30 @ City Brooks Pool)

- Registrations will only be collected in person at Brooks Pool during regular hours starting June 22, and online starting June 29 (if spots are available)
- Ages 5-12
  - 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
  - 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
- Note: All lessons will take place at Brooks (City Park) Pool

To register and for more information on swim lesson sessions and dates visit brec.org/aquatics

Join in – learn to swim. It could save your life!

Here are some startling facts on drowning!

- - Child drowning is a silent death. There’s no splashing to alert anyone that the child is in trouble.
  - 58 percent of parents do not consider drowning a threat to their children. (Resource ISR)
  - Drowning is the leading cause of death for infants and young children between the ages of 1-4 (CDC)
  - Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in children aged 1-14 years (CDC)
  - The majority of children who survive (92% percent) are discovered within two minutes following submersion. (Branche 1999)
  - Rates of fatal drowning for minorities are notably higher among these populations in certain age groups. The fatal drowning rate of African American children is 20% higher than that of Caucasian children in the same age range. (CDC)
  - 19 percent of drowning deaths involving children occur in public pools with certified lifeguards present.
  - Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are males.
  - Drowning can happen quickly and quietly anywhere there is water and even in the presence of lifeguards.
  - Many adults and children report that they can’t swim. Research has shown that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1 to 4 years.

Source: http://usapoolsla.com

Top Box Foods Louisiana – healthy, affordable, accessible food.

May 30, 2021 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Top Box Foods Louisiana (TBFLA) is a nonprofit organization committed to making fresh, healthy food affordable and accessible for all. Every time you shop with Tob Box Foods you directly contribute to building a more equitable and localized food system. TBFLA provides year-round access to fresh, affordable produce, frozen meats, seafood, and poultry. Anyone within our delivery range can get Top Box grocery boxes delivered FREE right to their door!

Top Box Foods – How it works

Placing an order is easy! Visit www.topboxfoods.com or call (225) 244 – 9564 to shop affordable grocery boxes and explore delicious recipes. Place your order by 8 PM Thursday to get your boxes Friday, and by 8 PM Tuesday to get your boxes Wednesday. Purchases can be paid for with EBT or credit/debit; they even have discounts when using an EBT card! On delivery day, Top Box Foods will text you with live updates and a tracking code, so you never miss a delivery.

About Top Box Foods

Since 2018, TBFLA has increased access to fresh and affordable foods in Baton Rouge in collaboration with Geaux Get Healthy initiative, a project of Mayor Sharon Broome’s citywide health and wellness program, Healthy BR.

In March of 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, Top Box Foods Louisiana immediately transitioned from the traditional MGP pickup model at community hubs in low food access areas to a contact-free home delivery system. Since the transition, TBFLA has delivered 36,186 grocery boxes to 16,264 households throughout New Orleans, Baton Rouge!

Fresh, healthy food affordable and accessible for all in Baton Rouge & beyond.

Food insecurity is an issue facing families in communities across the country. Nearly one in five children in America lives in households that struggle to put food on the table. Louisiana has the fourth-highest rate of children living in poverty in the country. However, you might never know this because child hunger in America is often invisible. It could be friends, neighbors, and even family members that are struggling with food insecurity. We’re thankful to have an organization like Top Box Foods working in our community to deliver fresh, healthy food affordable and accessible for all.

Ready to place an order? Visit their brand new website to start shopping! You can also connect with Top Box Foods on Instagram and Facebook.

Black History Month in Baton Rouge – Community Resources

February 1, 2021 by Meghan Matt

Though February is already a busy holiday month with celebrations of both Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras, it is also Black History Month and a time we can really use to educate our children about the great African-American leaders in our community and around the world. This year I want to encourage you to not only teach your kids about black history in America but about everyone from ancient African rulers to modern-day history makers in our own state. Obviously, slavery and the Civil Rights Movement are both key pieces of the story, but there is much more richness and diversity to be told in regards to black history. Below you will find some useful Black History Month in Baton Rouge community resources.

Many recommend two different approaches to teach Black History Month. First, beginning with teaching about pre-historic South Africa or early African Kingdoms to show the true depth and beauty of blackness. Or by starting in the present-day and moving backward in time, introducing children to healthy, relevant, modern examples of black leaders before moving through slavery and then back to Africa.

Clearly, Louisiana has a deep background in regard to slavery and civil rights, and it’s extremely, extremely important that we educate our kids about these periods of our history. Our children need to learn from our past so we do not repeat the same mistakes, and they need to develop honor and respect for the many people who overcame seemingly insurmountable odds and helped make things better.

For example, did you know that the first bus boycott was held right here in Baton Rouge by a group of black citizens fighting the segregated seating system? And what about Ruby Bridges, the first African-American student to attend an all-white public school in the American South, just a few miles below us in New Orleans?

But in addition to those lessons, let’s also include stories of local black artists, inventors, and leaders who have contributed to the greatness of our community and our world. Teach about ancient African rulers who managed thriving economies and cultures like Mana Masu of West Africa. And look at civilizations like the Songhai Empire or Mali Empire.

We can celebrate Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King, Jr., but let’s also celebrate Booker T. Washington and Justice Thurgood Marshall. Let’s teach about local heroes like Gus Young and also Leonard Julien. Explore lessons on people like Madame C.J. Walker– a daughter of former slaves who went on to become an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the first female self-made millionaire.

We can celebrate all that black history can teach us and our children, and carry it on through every other month of the year. To help us, I’ve compiled a list of events and local resources that we can use to both celebrate and educate ourselves and our kids about the richness and diversity of African-American history. This list is not exhaustive, but we hope you find it helpful. If you know of any events or resources not listed below, please email us here!

Photo credit: Whitney Plantation

Black History Month in Baton Rouge – Community Resources:

River Road African-American Museum

The River Road African-American Museum in Donaldsonville offers private, guided tours for individuals and groups. For twenty-two years this hidden gem has served as a resource for the people of our community containing items such as historical documents, books, rare photographs, newspaper ads for runaway slaves, sketches of inventors, and information on politicians, soldiers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. Whether you are a home school mom, in a co-op, a teacher, or church director, this museum is happy to help guide and educate you on local, rural black history of our area for only $10 per person. Appointments for these tours can be scheduled online or by contacting them at lathe@aamuseum.org or by calling 225.474.5553.

Baton Rouge African-American History Museum

The Odell S. Williams Now and Then Museum of African-American History was founded in 2001 on South Blvd. as an outgrowth of the congregation’s commitment to promote and educate people about the achievements of African- Americans. It features the following exhibits: art work of local black artists, a collection of rural Louisiana artifacts, a collection of inventions, a historic poster collection, and a walking trail that illustrates art and history. Currently, hours vary. Please check the Facebook page for updates!

Whitney Plantation

The Whitney Plantation has gained media exposure for being the first and only museum on slavery. Originally known as Habitation Haydel, it is located on River Road in Wallace, Louisiana. Your guide will lead you through the historic Antioch Baptist Church built by former slaves, original outbuildings, slave quarters, and the circa 1790 Big House. You will walk through the oldest detached kitchen in Louisiana and learn about the Haydel family and their workforce of over 100 slaves. To purchase tickets in advance, please call the Visitor Center at 225.265.3300 or purchase online. In addition to the tour, their website also offers many articles can be used to educate your kids or students about the slave trade nationally and locally.

Louisiana Civil Rights Trail

Louisiana Civil Rights Trail honors the Civil Rights Movement and those who fought fearlessly to make rights real in our state.

Through the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail, we respectfully share these amazing stories of pride and courage that is Louisiana’s prominent role in the modern movement.

Inform || Inspire || Invite — that is the goal of the Civil Rights Trail. A Story of Courage. Louisiana’s Civil Rights Story.

The African American Heritage Trail

They blazed many trails. Now retrace their footsteps.
Walk the streets where jazz was born. Learn about America’s first black governor. Hear how enslaved blacks fled the plantations to fight for the Union army. And how one man’s refusal to move from his seat on a train led to a long struggle against segregation and the eventual triumph of the Civil Rights movement. It all happened right here, in a place like no other. Louisiana.

Other ideas include visiting Allendale Plantation Cabins, The Martin Luther King, Jr. monument, and the Port Hudson Battlefield.

The East BRP Library system has a digital archive full of photographs (with descriptions) pertaining to Black History. Check it out here.

Black History Month in Baton Rouge Events:

Social Distance Scotland Saturdays for Black History Month Feb 27th

This Social Distance Scotland Saturdays will begin at 1 pm and end at 4 pm. They plan to have speakers, talent, or special event groups involved to celebrate Black History Month. Located at the Scotlandville Plaza, The Open Market serves as a catalyst for the cultural, historical, and economic growth of the Scotlandville Community. They showcase the very best of the North Baton Rouge area.

If you have any questions please email scotlandsaturdays@gmail.com or visit our website at ssaturdays.com

West Baton Rouge Museum will host several other Black History events including a film series and lunchtime lectures. More information at their website.

The EBRP Library system

LPB is proud to celebrate Black History!

LPB will bring you a lineup of films and moments, memories and people in Black history that inspire – learn more here.

Suggested Reading Lists:

“28 Black Picture Books That Aren’t About Boycotts, Buses or Basketball

“26 Children’s Books That Celebrate Black Heroes”

From Just Read Florida

From Reading Rockets

And check these out, too:
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya
Sundiata : An Epic of Old Mali
The Pot of Wisdom: Ananse Stories
Mansa Musa : The Lion of Mali
A Kids Guide to African American History
Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride
I am Jackie Robinson
I am Martin Luther King, Jr.
I am Rosa Parks
The Story of Ruby Bridges
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears: A West African Tale
African Princess: The Amazing Lives of Africa’s Royal Women

Mother Son Dance To Go – Benefiting OLOL Children’s Hospital

December 1, 2020 by Tiany Davis

This year has been anything but normal, with many events being canceled or going virtual due to COVID. This year, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital has reimagined the Mother-Son Dance into an exclusive “To-Go” box – “Mother-Son Dance To Go!” Moms, you won’t want to miss this special opportunity to create lasting memories with your little prince! Get ready for a Mother-Son fun-filled month of activities!! This also makes the perfect Christmas gift as it can be used anytime from home!

Each day highlights a different mother and son theme. The box includes playful items for each theme, along with daily recipes, an entertaining booklet, patient stories, a playlist, and creative project ideas for the week. All proceeds from the Mother-Son Dance will benefit Child Life Services at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.

The $100 standard box includes daily themed activities and creative crafts. A $150 VIP box includes the standard box PLUS a specialty mom and son t-shirt. Daily themes include a treasure hunt, arts and crafts, dance party, and a day just for mom.

Standard Mother Son Dance To Go Box

The standard mother and son box includes playful items (listed below) for each theme, a dance playlist, creative project ideas, daily recipes, and an entertaining booklet. Each box purchased gives you a chance to win fun items during the week like mommy makeover, family vacation, and more.

The items in the box for each day are as follows:

Arts & Crafts Day – DIY puzzle, DIY binoculars, K’Nex sticks, 2 mini Play-Doh
Treasure Hunt Day – Compass bracelet, mini treasure chest, ring pop, blank treasure map
Activity Day – mini bouncy ball, jump rope, DIY frisbee, buildable race car, sidewalk chalk, STEM activity
Ice Cream & Pizza Dance Party Day – plastic ice cream scoop, USB disco ball, glow sticks, bow tie, glow-in-he-dark sunglasses.
Just for Mom Day – plastic wine glass, nail file, bath bomb, face sheet mask, hair tie

VIP Mother Son Dance To Go Box

The VIP mother and son box includes playful items for each theme (listed below), a dance playlist, creative project ideas, daily recipes, an entertaining booklet plus a specialty mom and son t-shirt, and a disposable camera to commemorate the fun. Each box purchased gives you a chance to win fun items during the week like mommy makeover, family vacation, and more.

The items in the box for each day are as follows:

Arts & Crafts Day – DIY puzzle, DIY binoculars, K’Nex sticks, 2 mini Play-Doh
Treasure Hunt Day – Compass bracelet, mini treasure chest, ring pop, blank treasure map
Activity Day – mini bouncy ball, jump rope, DIY frisbee, buildable race car, sidewalk chalk, STEM activity
Ice Cream & Pizza Dance Party Day – plastic ice cream scoop, USB disco ball, glow sticks, bow tie, glow-in-he-dark sunglasses.
Just for Mom Day – plastic wine glass, nail file, bath bomb, face sheet mask, hair tie

Click here to purchase your box and view the items plus additional options!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mother-Son Dance “To-Go”?
The Mother-Son Dance “To-Go” is an opportunity for moms and their sons to spend a fun-filled, memorable week safely from home.

Is there an age limit to participate?
Activities provided in the box are for ages up to 13 years old.

What are the box prices?
The standard box is $100. The VIP box is $150. The boxes are filled with fun items for each theme, but the VIP box is “extra” special.

What is the DOOR PRIZE “to-go”?
Each box purchase is an automatic entry to win these exciting items. There are many fun door prizes that you and your son could win. Like our Facebook event page to learn more!

Can I get more chances to win the door prizes “to-go”?
Yes, each time you share photos of you and your son using the hashtag #mothersondancetogo you will receive an additional entry.

Are boxes and sponsorships limited?
Yes, boxes and sponsorships are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I exchange items or return my box?
All “to-go” items and boxes are a final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged.

Mother Son Dance To Go VIP Box

Mother Son Dance To Go VIP Box Giveaway

We have teamed up with OLOL Children’s to host a giveaway for 4 VIP To GoBoxes!! Simply enter via our Rafflecopter Giveaway widget below with more entry options on our Facebook and Instagram pages!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

December 1, 2020 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Tis’ the season to get into the holiday spirit! We are RACKing up Random Acts of Christmas Kindness this season and we would love for you to join us! We are spreading the joy of the holidays by performing a Random Act of Christmas Kindness each day throughout the month of December. This is the perfect way to enjoy the true reason for the season… family, togetherness, community, and giving!

The best part of taking part in even the smallest act of kindness and or giving is that generosity and kindness are contagious!

Goodness spurs goodness: A single act can influence dozens more.

Please join us for our 6th Annual RACK! We are showering the Baton Rouge community with Christmas Kindness all month long!

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

What is RACK and how does it work?

It’s a way to infuse holiday spirit in others by performing a Random Act of Christmas Kindness throughout the month of December! Many do a RACK a day for 25 days leading up to Christmas, an advent of sorts. However, we are asking you to join us in doing what you can, when you can, however big, however small. Be creative and lead with your heart! Most importantly, get the whole family involved!

We have created printable RACK cards in different sizes, simply print and attach them to your RACK. There are many ways to offer a RACK, we have put together an extensive list of ideas as well as a calendar if you want to follow a list of acts.

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness Ideas:

Rake the yard of a neighbor who isn’t able to rake it themselves.
Make Christmas special for girls and boys…DONATE to Sylvia’s Toys!
Bless your garbage collectors with a treat or small gift card for lunch.
Have your children make the mailman or lady a Thank You card or poster with treats taped to it.
Tape coins on vending machines for snacks, or sodas. The hospital would be a great place for this!
Tape single dollars to items at the dollar store. (plus a dime for tax)
RACK a Red Box by leaving a dollar or two and some popcorn or a candy cane.
Donate items to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
Pack toiletry or snack bags for Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge homeless shelters.
Donate a coat to Pat’s Coats for Kids.
Bake treats and take them to the police station and or fire station with thank you cards for their service.
Take a break from texting and e-mail. Mail an actual handwritten letter or card to someone you love. Just because.
Send letters or gifts to an assisted living home. Coordinate with your local nursing or retirement home first.
Take get well balloons or flowers to the hospital and leave them with a nurse for someone who is alone.
Fill a Good Samaritans Christmas Box
Tape quarters to laundromat machines.
Leave a basket of Christmas gifts on the doorstep of a family in need.
Leave a $5 bill on the pump at a gas station.
Bring treats to your local urgent care office on Christmas Eve.
Cook a meal and deliver it to someone who could use a meal. Someone who is sick, a new family in the neighborhood or at church, a new mom.
Take a person who’s working on Christmas Eve something special.
Drop off books to give to patients at the OLOL Children’s Hospital.
Drop off a coffee and a treat to a busy mom.
Bring a gift to Santa.
‘Ding dong ditch’ your neighbors with fresh-baked goods.
Before paying at the grocery store, buy a gift card, and then turn around and hand it to the person behind you or to the cashier.
Leave an extra big tip at a restaurant.
Donate to the local animal shelter. Contact a local animal shelter to find out what they need. (food, blankets, towels, and food bowls, etc.)
Put something you no longer need on Craigslist’s FREE section.
Fill purses you no longer use with toiletries and fun items for men and donate to your local womans shelter.

Rack Tag printables…

Download Medium RACK Cards HERE.

Download Small RACK Cards HERE.

Download XSmall Circle TACK Tags HERE

A RACK Advent calendar can be found here.

More cards and tags can be found here.

It’s our responsibility to discuss gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and service not just during the holidays but year-round. We are our children’s greatest role models — we should start early to mold our children’s perspectives on the holiday season. May we create such treasured memories of family time and togetherness, and the joy of giving, that our children will hold on to these memories for a lifetime and pass them on to their own children.

If we missed a great RACK idea, please leave it in the comments below!

Wishing each of you a blessed Christmas Season full of RACK!

Baton Rouge Zoo Family Zoo Run Run

Where else do you get to run alongside cheetahs, elephants, monkeys, and more?

Race Day

Chip Timing

Race T-Shirts

Entry Fees*

Adult/Teen Registration

Child Registration (ages 12 and under)

Hurricane Ida Relief – How You Can Help or Get Help:

Local Relief

National Organizations

Baton Rouge Storm Preparedness Useful Links

Baton Rouge Sandbag locations:

Residents are urged to bring their own shovels to fill the sandbags.

EAST BATON ROUGE

West Baton Rouge Parish

ASCENSION PARISH

School Closings:

List of Flood-Prone Baton Rouge Streets

Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide

Top 10 Emergency Preparedness Apps

Preparation Before the Storm:

Emergency Preparedness list:

Recover

Healthy Mamas Research Study

Every mom who participates in the Healthy Mamas study will receive at no cost:

To qualify for this study, participants should:

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company that sponsored it compensated Baton Rouge Family Fun via payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.

Back to School Baton Rouge Supply Drives, Events, & Programs

Back to School Bash and School Supply Giveaway

WBRZ Stuff the Bus

Salvation Army Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive

Annual Backpack Give-Away Back to School Community Fair

Family and Youth Service Center

Date and time

Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge

To register and for more information on swim lesson sessions and dates visit brec.org/aquatics

Here are some startling facts on drowning!

Many adults and children report that they can’t swim. Research has shown that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1 to 4 years.

Top Box Foods – How it works

About Top Box Foods

Fresh, healthy food affordable and accessible for all in Baton Rouge & beyond.

Black History Month in Baton Rouge – Community Resources:

Social Distance Scotland Saturdays for Black History Month Feb 27th

LPB is proud to celebrate Black History!

Standard Mother Son Dance To Go Box

VIP Mother Son Dance To Go Box

Frequently Asked Questions

Mother Son Dance To Go VIP Box Giveaway

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

What is RACK and how does it work?

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness Ideas:

Rack Tag printables…