Released: November 25, 2008

Insurance Commissioner Donelon announced today that the staff of the Department of Insurance donated 4,317 pounds of food to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. This food drive ran from October 31 through November 24. “I am very proud of our staff for such a large contribution to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and I am sure the food they have donated will make a difference to so many families in the Baton Rouge area this Thanksgiving,” said Commissioner Donelon at an event announcing the total amount of food donated at the Poydras Building today. The Office of Financial Solvency gave 1,370 pounds of food, the largest amount, causing their staff to win one of the food drive campaign competitions.

The Department of Insurance has contributed food to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank over the years, but this year was the largest contribution amount yet. This year the campaign coordinators created several incentives that created competition among the staff and raised their level of interest in the food drive campaign. These incentives included a dress down week for the most food donated by a section and a select parking spot for food brought in that matched a checklist by a single staff person. Frequent notices were sent to staff on the closeness of the competition as well, which kept the food coming in on a regular basis.

The Department of Insurance staff also participate in other charitable events throughout the year.