About Us
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.
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
Our Partners
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Chef’s Table Sponsor: Ounce of Hope
A BIG THANK YOU to Ounce of Hope for supporting our culinary conversations at the highest level. Their innovative delta‑9 THC seltzers—known as “liquid edibles”—offer a smooth, hangover-free way to relax and unwind, making them a perfect alternative to alcohol for both seasoned enthusiasts and curious first-timers.
Their current lineup includes:
- Berry High (wild berry compote)
- High Lime (zesty lime)
- Cherry Jane (black cherry)
- Peach Buzz (peach compote)
Each can contains 5mg of hemp-derived THC, is low in calories, and made with clean, natural ingredients. Whether you’re sipping on a sunny afternoon or winding down after a long day, Ounce of Hope invites you to elevate your refreshment.
Use code "foodies" at ounceofhope.com for 10% off your online order.
Click here for more info on Ounce of Hope.
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Main Course Sponsor: Logic Refrigeration HVAC
We’re proud to have Logic Refrigeration HVAC as our Main Course Sponsor, keeping Lafayette’s kitchens cool and our culinary community running strong. From walk-in coolers and ice machines to full-scale HVAC systems, Logic delivers the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that chefs and restaurant owners rely on across Acadiana.
Their expert team provides fast, dependable service and customized solutions tailored to the unique demands of the food industry. Whether you’re launching a new restaurant or upgrading your current setup, Logic ensures everything stays fresh, comfortable, and running efficiently.
📦 Beyond the kitchen, Logic is also helping fight food insecurity as a proud supporter of the Lafayette Community Fridge project—helping us keep donated meals safely stored and available to those who need them most.
📞 New customers receive 10% off when you mention Foodies of Lafayette.
Call (337) 242-1000 to schedule service or learn more.
Click here for more info on Logic Refrigeration HVAC.
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Production Partner: Sunday’s Soda Fountain
A huge thank you to Sunday’s Soda Fountain for opening their beautiful downtown space to host our podcast and show recordings. Nestled in the heart of Lafayette, Sunday’s brings a nostalgic twist to the modern soda fountain—serving up handmade ice cream, old-school sodas, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a treat.
Their support adds heart and charm to every conversation we capture. From the clink of ice in a phosphate soda to the cozy vibe of their retro booths, Sunday’s is more than just a backdrop—it’s a key part of the magic behind the scenes.
Whether you’re grabbing a scoop, sipping on a float, or just popping in for good vibes, Sunday’s is a true community gem. We’re grateful to call them our home base.
Click here for more info on Sunday’s Soda Fountain.
