NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – As the federal shutdown continues to leave furloughed workers without paychecks and the SNAP benefits freeze on Nov. 1 forces thousands of Louisiana residents into immediate food insecurity, Rock of Ages Baptist Church, led by Pastor Jonathan Everett, is stepping in to support families during the crisis.
On Friday, Nov. 7 starting at 10 a.m., community partners hosted a $40,000 gas giveaway at two Shell stations owned and operated by Sterling Express to help ease financial strain on furloughed federal employees. Rock of Ages Church also gave away 70,000 pounds of fresh food and groceries to support about 400 families affected by delayed SNAP benefits.
“This is what ministry looks like,” Pastor Jonathan Everett said. “Federal workers are going without pay. Families are being told benefits are on hold. We refuse to let our community go without food, gas, or dignity. New Orleans is resilient. We’re not waiting for Washington — we’re showing up for each other.”
This emergency support is in partnership with InspireNOLA, Troy Henry Consulting, Wallstreet Trapper and the Colin Family, who are working to help New Orleans families affected by the shutdown. The group supported more than 1,000 federal workers and families by filling their tanks with gas…