St. Francis Diner - New Iberia, Louisiana

St. Francis Diner has served the hungry in New Iberia for more than 30 years.

Its founding is generally credited to an idea of Caroline Romero who grew up as one of 18 children in a family –– six who died in infancy. She knew was it was like to be poor and not have enough food to eat.

Ms. Romero enlisted the support of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and other churches (including the local Ministerial Federation) along with business and individual supporters to start the Diner’s initial efforts on Aug. 3, 1987

St. Francis Diner is open to those who walk in, who on their own decide they need a meal. The food is the main draw, according to Diner Director Juanita Lewis, but for some it also fills a need to socialize a bit, to escape the isolation of living alone.

In 2016, the Diner served more than 100,000 meals, more than 1,900 a week, including those delivered to needy shut-ins in the area.