community
ONCE UPON A ROOM LAUNCHES BATON ROUGE CHAPTER A new chapter of Once Upon a Room has officially launched in Baton Rouge, bringing extra comfort and creativity to children receiving medical care. The nonprofit, which transforms hospital rooms into more cheerful, personalized spaces for kids undergoing active treatment, celebrated its local debut at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital. The Baton Rouge chapter is led by Landry Kiffin and kicked off with a special visit from Lane Kiffin and Whit Weeks. Together, they helped spotlight the organization’s mission: turning hospital stays into brighter experiences for young patients and their families when they need it most. ■ onceuponaroom.org
PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
SNAP LIMITS CERTAIN FOOD PURCHASES IN LOUISIANA New rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are changing what some Louisiana families can buy with their benefits. Recently, candy, soft drinks, and energy drinks are no longer eligible purchases for the more than 390,000 households statewide who rely on assistance for groceries. Tobacco, alcohol, and hot prepared foods were already restricted. Local store owners say many shoppers are learning about the updates at checkout. At seafood markets, the rules bring added clarification: while SNAP typically covers raw seafood, cooked items must be chilled before purchase. Businesses are posting signs and helping customers navigate the changes as the new guidelines take effect. ■ ldh.la.gov
CRUISE LINE RETURNS TO BATON ROUGE RIVERFRONT Baton Rouge is once again welcoming river cruise visitors as American Cruise Lines returns to the city’s downtown dock. City leaders announced that the American Melody will now include Baton Rouge as a regular stop, marking another step in ongoing efforts to revitalize the riverfront and boost local tourism. The cruise line first added Baton Rouge as a port of call in 2018 with the American Song and resumed visits in 2021 after a pandemic pause. Now, with renewed riverfront improvements underway, local restaurants and businesses are hopeful the steady flow of visitors will bring fresh energy—and customers—to the heart of the city. ■ americancruiselines.com
ST. GEORGE LEADERS LAUNCH NEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Business leaders in St. George are taking a major step toward strengthening the city’s economic future with the formation of the St. George Chamber of Commerce. Led by chairman Travis Thornton, the newly created organization aims to unite and support the city’s growing business community. Organizers say the chamber will provide a centralized voice for local businesses, helping coordinate efforts, encourage collaboration, and promote continued development. As St. George continues to establish its identity, leaders believe a dedicated chamber is crucial to fostering economic growth and ensuring the city’s business community plays an active role in shaping its future ■ stgeorgechamber.la
8 APRIL 2026 | BRPARENTS.COM
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