Toups’ Meatery aiming for 80,000 meals through summer feeding program

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Although classrooms may be empty for now, there are still people in the community working hard to make sure students have what they need.

“We’re the best food city in this country,” said Toups Meatery Co-Owner Amanda Toups. “It’s unacceptable that 1 in 3 of our kids are hungry.”

Toups Meatery is back in full swing, preparing, distributing and delivering meals to families this summer. Amanda Toups says this year, they’re raising the bar.

“I always want to do more,” Toups said. “But 70,500 meals between now and the kids get back to school is our goal, and we love to smash it and hit 80,000.”

Yet, this summer comes with a new challenge. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced cuts to two federal programs that supported schools and food banks, including Second Harvest.

“When I even went to look to see what I could get for this week, it was just juice boxes,” Toups said. “And that’s not what we were looking for. Of course, normally they would give us ground meat and potatoes and carrots and onions and those types of things that we can cook with, but it’s just not there. So, we can’t rely on them this year. It is just on us.”

Toups says hearing about the federal cuts was disheartening especially knowing just how many families are counting on support this summer. Within 30 minutes of posting about their summer feedings, every slot was filled.

Still, even with the funding cut, they’re determined to make sure no child goes hungry this summer.

“Because the need is still there,” Toups said. “If we quit, what happens to those children? I care that much about the kids of our city. I do. And when one and three of them are sitting below the poverty line, that’s unacceptable to me.”

Through the Toups family meal program, volunteers deliver up to 10 meals a week, five breakfasts, and five lunches to families every Wednesday.

This year Toups is getting creative relying on community donations to keep the program going. She said anything goes a long way.

“I can’t depend on the food banks now to help to assist a little bit,” Toups said. “It is fundraising. And it’s that $5 donation, that $10 donation, $100 donation. And you can catch us at familymeals.com.”

They are asking the community to step up to be part of a bigger mission.

“It’s community building,” Toups said. “It’s us coming together to feed our children. Because I always say this if you love New Orleans, you better love our children. And that’s what it means.”

To help support the cause, the Toups will be holding the Toups Fest to help with donations on June 22 and asking everyone to come out for a great cause.

If you are interested in donating, you can find out how here.

You can get tickets to Toups Fest at toupsfamilymeal.com or at the door.

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