Toups Family Meal (TFM), the nonprofit founded by Chef Isaac and Amanda Toups, is set to host its first annual Thanksgiving Meal Box Drive on Saturday, November 23. The initiative will provide 1,500 New Orleanians with free grocery meal boxes to ensure no one goes hungry this Thanksgiving.
The event, taking place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., will kick off at TFM’s distribution facility at 845 North Carrollton Avenue. Volunteer delivery drivers will then distribute the meal boxes throughout the city. Each box includes all the essentials for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, such as a whole chicken, collard greens, potatoes, mac n’ cheese, cornbread, dessert, and even a milk chocolate advent calendar to bring holiday cheer.
Addressing Food Insecurity in Orleans Parish
Toups Family Meal began in March 2020 as a grassroots effort to provide meals during the COVID-19 crisis. Since then, the organization has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger. With a special focus on children and individuals in food deserts, TFM has served over 175,000 meals to date. Its summer meal program alone delivered 70,000 meals, in addition to disaster relief efforts, holiday meal distributions, and community outreach.
“We believe no family in New Orleans should face hunger, especially during the holidays,” said Chef Isaac Toups. “This Thanksgiving Drive is another step in our mission to provide essential nourishment to those in need.”
How to Get Involved
The organization is calling for community support to make the Thanksgiving Meal Box Drive a success. Volunteers are invited to sign up as delivery drivers to help distribute the boxes. Donations are also welcomed to support TFM’s ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity.
For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit www.toupsfamilymeal.com. Updates and additional details can also be found on social media at @toupsfamilymeal.
