Supporting Baton Rouge students with food and hygiene resources
Across Baton Rouge, many students face challenges that extend beyond the classroom. One in five children in the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank’s 11-parish service experience food insecurity.1 Many also struggle to access everyday essentials such as soap, deodorant and other hygiene products, which can affect confidence, attendance and focus in school. To help address these needs, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana is collaborating with Broadmoor Senior High School to launch two school-based initiatives that provide direct support to students and families: a monthly food pantry and a hygiene pantry.
Addressing hunger through a school-based food pantry
In November 2024, Broadmoor Senior High School opened its on-site food pantry with support from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana. The pantry provides consistent, monthly food distributions to families in the community, allowing students the nutrition they need to focus, learn and grow. This initiative was driven by a student needs assessment that identified food insecurity as a primary factor affecting well-being and academic performance. By bringing resources directly into the school environment, the pantry helps families access nutritious food by removing cost barriers and the need for transportation.
Promoting confidence and dignity through the Buccaneers Wellness Cove
Earlier this year, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana provided a grant to help Broadmoor launch the Buccaneers Wellness Cove, a new hygiene pantry that provides free personal care items such as shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and other products. Students can request items through a simple online form or from a trusted staff member to maintain privacy and accessibility. These small but essential resources help boost confidence, reduce anxiety and allow students to concentrate on learning instead of worrying about unmet daily needs.
A community-driven model of support
The food and hygiene pantries were designed in collaboration with students, teachers and community members to reflect the specific needs of Broadmoor families. Louisiana State University football players, local leaders and volunteers joined in the opening celebrations, demonstrating how collective action can make a tangible difference in student health and success.
Sustained through community donations and ongoing volunteer support, the Broadmoor pantries represent a long-term investment in well-being. Together, they serve as a model for how schools can become trusted hubs of care for students, offering wraparound support that strengthens both education and health outcomes.
Creating healthier futures for Louisiana students
By helping Broadmoor Senior High School address basic needs within the school setting, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana is reducing barriers to student success and supporting families where they are. Through collaborations like these, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana continues to demonstrate how local support can help young people in Baton Rouge thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
To learn more about how we prioritize student health, read about our investment in school-based mental health support across the U.S.
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