For many students, summer break means long days in the sun and time away from the classroom, but for thousands of families across New Orleans, the end of the school year also means losing access to reliable school meals. That need is driving the mission behind Toups Family Meal, a community initiative operated by Toups Meatery that provides free meals to children throughout the summer months.
“This summer, we’re a restaurant yes, but we become a community center through the summer, and we make sure these children get fed,” Amanda Toups, owner of Toups Meatery, said.
While the restaurant has supported the community for years, the organization expanded its efforts significantly in 2024 after concerns arose over the future of Louisiana’s Summer EBT program. Although the program ultimately received funding, Toups believed the assistance available to families still fell short of what was needed…