Heidi McDonald and Jason Stoner are the driving force behind Foodies of Lafayette. What began in December 2019 as a small Facebook group among friends quickly grew into a dynamic community of over 100,000 members who share a love of local flavor.

Heidi, the founder, created the group after dining at a local sushi restaurant and realizing that many great eateries lacked the exposure they deserved. Her vision was simple: celebrate good food and good people without the noise of negativity, critiques, or algorithms.

Jason joined early as a moderator and soon became a key partner in shaping the community’s tone, structure, and outreach. Known for organizing rapid-fire ideas into real-world impact, Jason helped transform Foodies of Lafayette from a social group into a true culinary movement.

Together, they’ve built more than a foodie page—they’ve built a hub for connection, celebration, and community impact. Whether organizing monthly Sunday Dinners, running food security initiatives like the Lafayette Community Fridge, or awarding local excellence through the Culinary Excellence Award, Heidi and Jason continue to shape the food landscape in Acadiana one bite at a time.

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Foodies of Lafayette Mission Statement

At Foodies of Lafayette, our mission is to celebrate and support the vibrant culinary scene of Lafayette, Louisiana. We aim to create a positive and inclusive community where food enthusiasts can discover, share, and savor the diverse flavors of our local cuisine.

We are dedicated to:

• Promoting Local Restaurants: Highlighting the unique offerings of Lafayette’s dining establishments, from hidden gems to well-loved favorites, ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve.
• Fostering Community: Building a welcoming space where members can share their food experiences, recipes, and recommendations, creating connections through a shared love of good food.
• Encouraging Culinary Exploration: Providing opportunities for our members to explore new tastes and culinary techniques through events, tastings, and educational workshops.
• Maintaining Positivity: Ensuring our platform remains a supportive and uplifting environment, free from negativity, where the focus is on celebrating the best our local food scene has to offer.
• Supporting Local Businesses: Collaborating with local chefs, restaurateurs, and food producers to strengthen and sustain Lafayette’s culinary economy.
• Empowering Future Chefs: Through our donor-advised fund, we are committed to supporting local culinary scholarships, investing in the next generation of chefs and food industry professionals.
• Fighting Food Insecurity: Operating and maintaining the Lafayette Community Fridge—powered by Foodies of Lafayette—to provide free, accessible food to those in need while reducing food waste and promoting dignity in giving.

Heidi & Jason