New Orleans church gifts free groceries, gas to families amid government shutdown
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Car after car pulled up to Rock of Ages Baptist Church to buy food as people sought to ease the tensions they were experiencing due to the government shutdown.
“You don’t know what people are going through and what they need, especially with what’s going on in the economy right now,” said Ms. Jackson, a New Orleans resident.
As the shutdown continues, many New Orleans residents rely on community organizations to keep them afloat.
With no timeline for when SNAP benefits will be fully restored, residents say they are sometimes unsure where they will get their next meal.
“We need to help because of food stamps being cut and the way the government is going. It’s a blessing that Rock of Ages is doing what they’re doing, because most of us aren’t doing it,” said New Orleans resident Dorthy Fernandez.
Louisiana food banks preparing for possible stop in SNAP Benefits
“I think it’s a good thing they’re doing, helping the community, giving back. I think a lot of people appreciate that,” a New Orleans resident said.
Pastor Jonathan Everett said many organizations in the city have stepped in to support families. Not only by distributing food, but also by meeting them at the pump with gas cards.
Rock of Ages Baptist Church Pastor Jonathan Everett said, “You know, one of the employees who was let go and put on leave tells the pastor that I got this gas and I have to go back to work and we’re not even getting paid. That hurt my heart. It was one of those surreal moments, this is it. This is actually happening.”
“It’s a blessing not to know that they fill up your tank and give you a card without knowing what’s left. So, when you run out of gas, you can go back to Shell with the few fuel you have left,” Ms Jackson said.
Everett says the event shows that the city can be a better place when everyone pulls together.
Everett, all of this is supported by InspireNOLA, Troy Henry Consulting, Wallstreet Trapper and the Colin Family, CRC | We Care, We Share, Blessed26 and Resolute Healthcare are teaming up to help New Orleans families recover from the effects of the shutdown. The group anticipates supporting more than 1,000 federal workers and families by filling their tanks with gas.
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