NEW ORLEANS — Thanksgiving is a time many of us gather for a good meal with our families.
But for some, putting food on the table isn't always easy. For others, they may not get the holiday off.
New Orleans community members stepped up to fill the gaps on Tuesday.
Inspire NOLA Charter Schools partnered with businesses, elected officials and organizations to distribute 1,400 hams and turkeys to families.
“We know especially for many of our families that the prices of food can be so expensive and high. So, it’s important that during this time we’re able to provide resources and food," said Kevin Barnes Jr., Chief of Staff for Inspire NOLA.
Inspire NOLA hosted two giveaways. The first was Tuesday morning on the West Bank, and the second was in the afternoon on the East Bank. At both events, lines wrapped around the block.
Meanwhile, a partnership between New Orleans & Co., the nonprofit Chef's Brigade and the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation is bringing Thanksgiving to the frontlines.
“It’s a great opportunity to give them a meal they can enjoy with their fellow officers and also to show that the public supports them," Kevin Ferguson, VP of External Affairs and Membership at New Orleans & Co., said.
Eight local restaurants are benefiting from the partnership as well. They will supply the Thanksgiving meals to each NOPD district.
“The independent restaurants jumped at the opportunity to help us feed the New Orleans Police Department," Melanie Talia, president and CEO of the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, said.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff is also distributing 2,000 holiday meals at OPSO's annual event. It takes place Thursday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Morial Convention Center.
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.