LAPLACE — Research shows 40 percent of St. John the Baptist Parish residents are considered the working poor, according to Dr. Tameka Jordan, project director for nonprofit New Wine Development Corporation.

“They have jobs and go to work every day but still live paycheck to paycheck,” Jordan said. “Sometimes people are strapped for cash and can’t provide basic nutritional necessities for their families.”

Food insecurity is a precursor to declining health and missed school and work, according to Jordan. To ensure local families and children have resources needed to thrive, New Wine Development Corporation offers opportunities for low-income families to receive cost-free groceries.

Stationed at 1925 W. Airline Highway, New Wine recently partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank as a distribution location.

According to Jordan, USDA regulations require potential clients complete an application and provide income verification to receive groceries.

Second Harvest food distributions are held bimonthly. The next distribution time for verified applicants is from 9 a.m. to noon June 23, and registration is available on-site.

Applicants must bring a photo ID; proof of residence in the form of a bill mailed to a home address; and proof of income, which could come in the form of a pay stub, social security, SNAP letters, child support or government assistance documentation.

Income documentation must be within six months of the current date.

From time to time, New Wine receives produce, meat and dairy donations from partner agency Cross Road Centers.

These food distribution days are open to the public without identification or proof of income, according to Jordan.

LaPlace resident Tabetha Graves visited Tuesday’s distribution event at New Wine after seeing it advertised on social media. She called her brother and sister-in-law to come along and stock up on vegetables.

“It’s good for those who need a little bit of extra help,” Graves said. “Every little bit helps for people who are a little down on their luck.”

She said food distribution days give residents a chance to refuel so they may have the strength to bless others.

“It’s a great thing that the church is doing,” Graves said. “As they say, pay it forward. If you receive good, give good back.”

CRC distribution days are unannounced, according to Jordan.

“When we get the food, we send out a mass text message to the community of those in our database as well as put messages on all social media outlets,” Jordan said. “We give them a time window depending on how much food we have.”

Follow New Wine Christian Fellowship on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to receive updates on food distribution days.