New Orleans church gifts free groceries, gas to families amid government shutdown

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — One car after another pulled up to Rock of Ages Baptist Church to receive groceries, as people looked to ease the strain they’ve experienced due to the government shutdown.

“You don’t know what people are going through and what they need, especially with the things that’s going on in the economy right now,” said New Orleans resident Ms. Jackson.

As the shutdown continues, many New Orleans residents are relying on community organizations to keep themselves afloat.

With no timetable on when SNAP benefits will be fully restored, residents say at times, they’re unsure of where to get their next meal.

“With the food stamps cut and the way the government is going, we need to help. It is a blessing that Rock of Ages is doing what they do because a lot of us don’t have,” said New Orleans resident Dorthy Fernandez.

“I think it’s a good thing they’re doing, you know, helping out the community, is giving back. I think a lot of people appreciate it,” said a New Orleans resident.

Pastor Jonathan Everett says multiple organizations around the city stepped in to support families. Not only by giving out food, but also by meeting them at the pump with gas cards.

“One of the employees who’ve been who been, you know, let go, who said not let go, but furloughed says pastor that I get this gas, I got to go back to work, and we’re not even getting paid. That hurt my heart. It was like one of those surreal moments, that’s it. This is actually happening,” said Rock of Ages Baptist Church Pastor Jonathan Everett.  

“This is such a blessing, not knowing they’re filling your tank up and also what’s remaining there, giving you the card. So, once you are out of gas, you can go back to Shell with several remaining,” said Ms. Jackson.

Everett says the event showed that when everyone moves together, the city can be a better place.

Everett says this was all possible with the partnership of InspireNOLA, Troy Henry Consulting, Wallstreet Trapper, and the Colin Family, CRC | We Care, We Share, Blessed26 and Resolute Healthcare who are uniting to help New Orleans families weather the shutdown’s impact. The group anticipates supporting more than 1,000 federal workers and families by filling their tanks with gas.

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