Last week, Governor Jeff Landry vetoed two bills to eliminate food deserts hurting rural and urban communities in Louisiana.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Access Research Atlas, Louisiana ranks 4th highest amongst states with populations living in food deserts. The Louisiana Food Bank Association estimated 683,110 people in Louisiana live with food insecurity. 

This is why we were proud to partner with Senator Royce Duplessis (SB 287) and Rep. Edmond Jordan (HB 670) to require the LA Dept. of Agriculture to fund this work every year. LA Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain testified in favor of the common sense legislation, and helped to secure overwhelming support from Democrats and Republicans throughout the legislature. These bills passed 89-5 in the House, and 38-1 in the Senate.

What makes this most disappointing is that Governor Landry's veto of these bills to eliminate food deserts, adds to his actions two months ago to block summer feeding for children in our state. 

But, this should not deter us. This should only encourage us to keep fighting. Click here to watch Sen. Duplessis and Rep. Jordan interview.

Signing this petition will:

• Send a clear message to Governor Jeff Landry that we see and oppose his continued attempts to hurt Louisiana families
• Thank Sen. Royce Duplessis, Rep. Edmond Jordan, State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, and the 127 legislators for championing this legislation
• Encourage additional investments to eliminate food deserts in Louisiana