NORD program serving more New Orleans kids meals as SNAP funds drop

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Since the Kid’s Cafe program reopened at the start of the school year, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission has served about 3,300 meals with 600 of those meals coming from just last week.

This jump in demand likely comes due to the decrease in SNAP funding.

“To see that uptick, and in it, it lets you know the dire need of it,” NORD CEO Larry Barabino Jr. said.

Many parents around New Orleans utilize this program and say they’re more thankful than ever for something like this.

“It’s wonderful. I mean, they have a lot of unfortunate people that’s not financially stable to provide for their families. And so, we just, you know, like I say, we appreciate everything they doing,” 7th Ward resident Taeyo Suarez said.

“It’s a blessing to have places like this. Well, you know, some kids can’t afford it, and parents don’t have it to provide a hot meal for them; so they can come over here, get a hot meal, get some snacks and be developed like Tayeo said,” 7th Ward resident Corey Lacour said.

Keeping up with the demand isn’t easy though, but with their partners over at second harvest food bank helping provide food for the program, the team at NORD says they’re ready for any amount of hungry children that come through their doors.

“One thing I appreciate about Second Harvest, as we give them the numbers and the increase, they continue to increase the number of meals, so hopefully we are ready to continue to serve; and I think second harvest as being a great partner, they’re ready to continue this journey with us,” Barabino said.

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