BATON ROUGE — The 2026 Jambalaya Jam raised over $190,000 to support Capital Area United Way's mission to assist local families facing financial hardship.

The annual event was held on Oct. 15 at North Boulevard Town Square in downtown Baton Rouge and brought together community members, volunteers and corporate partners for live music, a cornhole tournament, and a cook-off featuring more than 60 competition teams.

The fundraiser directs all proceeds toward programs supporting ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households across the Greater Baton Rouge area.

FMOL Health/Our Lady of the Lake took first place in the main jambalaya competition, while Shell won the appetizer cook-off and Entergy claimed the community cornhole title.

"When you call on this community to show up, show out and make a difference for the sake of others in the Capital Area, they will answer," said George Bell, CAUW president and CEO.

Roughly half of Louisiana households meet the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold or fall below the federal poverty line. The funds raised will help provide essential resources for working individuals and families struggling to cover basic living expenses.