NEW ORLEANS – Toups Family Meal (TFM), Chef Isaac and Amanda Toups’ non-profit and mission for change dedicated to providing food security for families in need, is excited to host its first Pumpkin Drive. This event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 1-5 p.m. with the goal of bringing a little seasonal sweetness to 500 children and families in need by delivering 500 free big pumpkins and festive decorating kits.
On this special day, volunteer delivery drivers will set out in their vehicles filled with pumpkins and decorating kits; a mobile pumpkin patch! These festive gifts will be distributed to 500 kids and families throughout New Orleans, spreading a little pre-Halloween cheer to the very same families that are registered recipients of TFM’s regularly scheduled meal and grocery drops.
“Adults certainly love Halloween, especially in New Orleans, but first and foremost it’s a holiday tailor-made for kids and every kid should have a chance of having a great Halloween and enjoying its traditions,” said Amanda Toups about the event. “By providing pumpkins and decorating kits, we hope to bring a smile to their faces and create lasting memories.”
What began as a grassroots effort in March 2020 to provide meals during the COVID-19 crisis, Toups Family Meals has evolved into a dedicated organization committed to addressing hunger. TFM’s mission is to alleviate these critical issues by providing essential nourishment to families, with special emphasis on children and individuals facing food insecurity in Orleans Parish. To date, TFM has served over 175,000 meals and continues its efforts through initiatives like the summer meal program, which alone delivered 70,000 meals, disaster relief efforts, holiday meal distribution, and community outreach in food deserts. The non-profit remains committed to fighting hunger and supporting the community.