At Keller Williams, RED Day—Renew, Energize, Donate—is more than a tradition. It’s a mission. Each May, we step away from real estate and step into our communities to serve where it’s needed most. This year, we’re proud to team up with Second Harvest Food Bank, and we had the honor of hearing from LaShondra Glover, their incredible Community Engagement Manager.
“We all have time. We all have heart. What you do with it is up to you.”
That’s how LaShondra opened her message to our team—and by the end of it, we knew exactly why Second Harvest is one of the most impactful nonprofits in the region.
With her signature passion and purpose, LaShondra shared what Second Harvest does—and why it matters:
- Founded in 1982 by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Second Harvest serves 23 parishes across South Louisiana.
- In 2024, they provided over 430,000 meals to families in need.
- They rely on over 650,000 volunteer hours annually—the equivalent of 31 full-time employees—to keep their programs running strong.
- 49% of their funding comes from individual donations—the community fuels the mission.
Understanding the Crisis: Food Insecurity in Louisiana
LaShondra reminded us that hunger is not a distant issue. It’s here.
- 1 in 6 families in Louisiana is food insecure.
- 1 in 4 children doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from.
- More and more seniors are making impossible choices between food and medication.
“We want to feed families. But we also want to bring them dignity, consistency, and connection,” she said.
Programs That Go Beyond the Plate
From children to seniors, Second Harvest supports every age and stage of life:
- Kids Cafe: Hot meals and sandwiches provided to after-school programs.
- Backpack & Summer Feeding Programs: Meals for children who rely on school cafeterias.
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Food boxes distributed to over 20,000 seniors each month.
- Groceries to Go: Home delivery for food-insecure seniors who can’t get to the food bank.
Even with recent USDA cutbacks, Second Harvest refuses to stop. “We’re not the only food bank affected, but we’re committed to showing up,” LaShondra said.
Why RED Day Matters
On May 8, KW New Orleans agents will be hands-on—packing boxes as part of Second Harvest’s CSFP program. These boxes will go directly to seniors across Louisiana.
“It’s not just sorting food,” LaShondra told us. “You’re creating comfort. You’re delivering dignity. And for some, you’re giving the only meal they’ll eat that day.”
A Personal Journey
LaShondra’s story is as moving as her mission. After returning home from Texas, she began volunteering in Second Harvest’s kitchen. It wasn’t long before she turned her passion into purpose—and now leads their community outreach.
“I grew up right here in Mid-City. I know what it means to give back. And I believe everyone has the ability to make a difference,” she said.
How You Can Help
- Volunteer regularly with Second Harvest (ages 9+ welcome).
- Donate online—especially on GiveNOLA Day, May 7.
- Spread awareness. Food insecurity is real, and it affects families, children, and seniors in every neighborhood.
“You may not know who you’re helping. But I promise—they’ll never forget that you did.” — LaShondra GloverRED Day is coming. We’re ready to sort, pack, and serve.
Because at KW New Orleans, real estate is what we do. But community is who we are.