KEY TAKEAWAYS: LCMC Health will collect nonperishable food and diapers at participating hospitals through Sept. 25. Donations will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank and the Junior League of New Orleans Diaper Bank. LCMC Health says about one in five people in the region experiences food insecur ity. A Sept. 29 event at Broadmoor Food Pantry will offer food distribution, flu vaccinations and blood pressure screenings.   LCMC Health is launching a monthlong food and diaper drive across its New Orleans-area hospitals to address food insecurity and help families struggling to afford basic necessities. The health system’s “Together for Good” campaign begins Sept. 1 and will collect nonperishable food and diapers through Sept. 25. Donations will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank and the Junior League of New Orleans Diaper Bank. LCMC Health said its hospitals will serve as public donation sites throughout the campaign, which is the first phase of a broader community initiative planned by the health system. “Good health begins long before someone walks through the doors of a hospital,” said LaDana Williams, vice president of community engagement for University Medical Center New Orleans. “Having enough food on the table and being able to provide basic necessities for a child are fundamental to the health and well-being of a family. Together for Good is about bringing our hospitals, our partners and our community together to help meet those needs and make a meaningful difference for our neighbors.” The campaign coincides with Hunger Action Month in September. LCMC Health said about one in five people in the region experiences food insecurity. The health system has an existing partnership with Second Harvest focused on addressing food insecurity and its effects on health. In 2025, LCMC Health contributed $75,000 to the food bank and collected more than 2,600 pounds of food through systemwide efforts. This year’s campaign expands the effort to include diapers through a partnership with the Junior League of New Orleans Diaper Bank. The Junior League is seeking to collect 15,000 diapers through a citywide drive Sept. 10-17. LCMC Health will continue accepting diaper donations at participating hospitals through Sept. 25. The organizations are particularly seeking diapers in sizes 4, 5 and 6, pull-ups and baby wipes. Open packages of diapers will also be accepted. LCMC Health cited national data showing nearly half of families struggle to afford enough diapers. Among parents experiencing diaper need, 60% report missing work or school because they cannot provide the diapers required for childcare, according to the health system. The campaign will conclude with a community food distribution and health event Sept. 29 at Broadmoor Food Pantry, 2021 S. Dupre St. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until food supplies are exhausted. In addition to groceries, residents will have access to free flu vaccinations through Walgreens and blood pressure screenings from LCMC Health employees. Touro will provide additional family resources through its Nursing Nest program. “Together for Good reflects what community health is really about – organizations and individuals working side by side to make our community healthier,” Williams said. “Whether someone donates a bag of groceries, a package of diapers or simply helps spread the word to a family who needs assistance, every contribution matters.” LCMC Health, founded in 2009, is a Louisiana-based nonprofit health system that operates eight hospitals, including University Medical Center New Orleans, Touro, East Jefferson General Hospital and West Jefferson Medical Center. ...read more read less