By Rebecca Chaisson
Managing Editor
Ten years ago, local Glendale Elementary School teacher Katie Richard listened to some of her students’ concerns about not having enough food to eat over the weekend.
“I heard stories from 4-year-olds in my class, and other students in my school, about their heartbreaking reality. They were facing food insecurity,” Richard remembered. “Many enjoyed lunch on Fridays in the school cafeteria and then struggled through the weekend until they returned to school on Monday. We (teachers) knew something had to be done to help.”
What began as a modest effort to serve a handful of students that first year has since grown into a community effort – and lifeline. Last weekend, Richard’s non-profit organization, Belly Buddies, hosted its third annual Color Run in Eunice, drawing just shy of 500 participants.
While the race is meant to be a fun-filled, family activity, it is also the organization’s main source of keeping children fed.
“The color run is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it sets us up for financial success for the following school year,” Richard said. “Groceries ain’t cheap and the price is steadily rising.”
Rising prices translates to rising need, and Belly Buddies continues to do everything in its power to meet that need.
“Because of the success of our first color run in 2024, we were able to expand to a second school in Eunice and double our reach,” she said. “We are now feeding about 120 to 150 students every week.”
Each Friday at Glendale and East elementary schools, volunteers distribute “belly bags” packed with kid-friendly, nonperishable meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks designed for little hands. The items require no preparation, feature easy-open pop-top cans, and provide nourishment through the weekend when school meals are unavailable.
Students from Eunice Christian Academy assist in packing the bags monthly and regularly visit the elementary schools for games, dance parties, and fellowship.
Last November, the organization also expanded its reach with the launch of the Community Fridge at Tri-Parish Electrical Supply, 101 W. Walnut Street. In partnership with Allie and Stormy Soileau, the always-accessible fridge offers ready-to-eat meals for entire families facing hardships such as medical issues or job loss.
“We say ‘take what you need and leave what you can,” Richard noted.
Despite occasional misuse, Richard believes the good far outweighs the bad, and that every person served is worth it.
“It’s our job to be obedient and generous in helping those in need; God will take care of the rest,” she said.
The Color Run’s proceeds will help sustain both the school program and the Community Fridge amid rising food costs. Richard expressed deep gratitude for the community’s ongoing support.
“We are so thankful for all of our generous sponsors, volunteers, and each and every participant!” she summed up. “Our community is such a huge supporter of Belly Buddies and our mission, and every year the fantastic turnout at the color run and just seeing everyone’s smiling faces is such a great reminder of how blessed we are. We couldn’t do this alone, and thanks to our incredible friends, family members, board members, individuals, organizations, and businesses in town, we don’t have to.”
As Belly Buddies marks a decade of service, Richard’s original vision — sparked in her classroom — continues to find a way to fill more little bellies.
“Our mission is to fight childhood hunger and let these kids and their families know that they are loved,” she concluded.
That’s a race without a finish line; Richard plans to keep running it anyway.