Celebrating Community Partnerships that Make Every Meal Possible
Every day at St. Joseph Diner, lives are changed around a meal.
Each week, we serve more than 3,500 meals to neighbors throughout Acadiana who are experiencing food insecurity. From a hot breakfast to a nourishing lunch and evening meal, every plate we serve offers more than food, it provides hope, dignity, compassion, and the reassurance that no one has to face hunger alone.
But serving thousands of meals every week doesn't happen by accident. It takes an entire community working together.
Every day, St. Joseph Diner depends on four volunteer shifts, requiring approximately 280 volunteers each week to prepare meals, serve guests, clean the dining room, wash dishes, and keep our kitchen operating smoothly. Their dedication is the heartbeat of our ministry, and their willingness to serve reminds our guests that they are seen, valued, and loved.
Just as important are the businesses throughout Acadiana that faithfully stand beside us. Their generosity allows us to provide nutritious, high-quality meals while being responsible stewards of every donated dollar. These aren't one-time gifts, they are lasting partnerships that make our mission possible day after day.
We are incredibly grateful for the businesses that have chosen to invest in our community through St. Joseph Diner regularly.
Uncle T's Restaurant generously donates chicken and essential kitchen supplies every two weeks, helping us prepare wholesome meals for hundreds of guests.
NuNu's Fresh Market in Maurice provides fresh produce, bakery items, meat products, and groceries three days each week, ensuring our kitchen is stocked with quality ingredients.
Our breakfast guests are welcomed each morning thanks to the generosity of Dunkin' Donuts, which donates donuts and its famous coffee. We are equally thankful for Edie's Biscuits, Nuts for Donuts in Youngsville, Jak’s Donuts, and Meche's Donuts, whose regular donations help create a warm and inviting start to the day.
Chick-fil-A on Johnston Street donates its signature chicken twice each week, giving our guests the opportunity to enjoy a meal from a restaurant many know and love. Crumbl Cookies regularly blesses our clients with fresh cookies, adding a special treat that reminds every guest they are worthy of kindness and care.
And we love when Best Stop surprises us with several pounds of their famous boudin and sausage!
These partnerships are about so much more than food. They represent businesses that have chosen to invest in people. They represent a community that refuses to ignore those facing difficult circumstances. They represent hope. Thank you to all our volunteers and partners who have chosen to participate in the works of mercy alongside us.
Interested in helping?
We're always looking for new partnerships that help every dollar stretch further, reduce operating costs, and let us maximize our service to others. We'd welcome the chance to partner with more businesses willing to help us fill the gap and join in the Works of Mercy.
We are actively seeking new community partners who can donate items, or allow us to purchase them at reduced cost. The items that would mean the most to us are:
· Fresh produce
· Meat and poultry
· Dairy products
· Bakery items
· Canned goods
· 3-compartment to-go plates and cups
· Plastic spoons and forks
Whether you're a local restaurant, grocery store, food distributor, manufacturer, or another business looking to make a lasting impact, your partnership can change lives every single day.
If you own a business, manage purchasing, work for a company that might be interested, or simply know someone who has the ability to help, we'd love the opportunity to visit with you.
I'm Todd Buteaux, Director of St. Joseph Diner, and I'd be honored to meet with you, learn about your business, and explore how we can build a partnership that serves our community together. Every partnership begins with a conversation.
Let's build something extraordinary together — one meal, one partnership, and one life at a time.
