In 2012, Paula Deen founded The Bag Lady Foundation, named in honor of her very first business. What began as a personal dream rooted in her own life experiences has grown into a mission dedicated to providing hope, inspiration, and meaningful support to women and families during times of need.

The foundation is committed to improving the well-being, health, and independence of women, children, and families through two primary areas of focus:

Nourishment – Providing food, food education, and supporting community efforts to feed the hungry.
Nurturing – Partnering with organizations that help women regain stability, rebuild their lives, and achieve self-sufficiency.

Paula often shares the heart behind the mission:
"There is nothing worse than a child or a family going to bed hungry. Coming from where I came from, supporting the needs of single moms is something that is near and dear to my heart. I want women to feel the same kind of empowerment that has helped guide me to where I am today."

The Bag Lady Foundation is supported through generous charitable contributions, along with a portion of proceeds from Paula Deen Foods, allowing the mission to continue making a lasting impact in communities across the country.

Paula Deen, The Bag Lady Foundation