District D Councilman Jared Brossett has secured 450 face masks to donate to the New Orleans Public School’s (NOLA-PS) Citywide Grab-N-Go Meals Program to ensure that individuals performing critical services during COVID-19 have sufficient personal protective equipment.
UnitedHealthcare Community & State agreed to donate the 450 masks to Councilman Brossett for the cause of his choice, and he chose the Citywide Grab-N-Go Meals Program, which helps hundreds of local families of school-aged children.
“Having been raised by an amazing single mother, I know firsthand just how hard it can be to feed a family and keep the lights on even in the best of times,” said Brossett. “With so many parents and families dealing with unprecedented challenges during COVID-19, this program is so very important. This donation is the least we can do to say thank you to NOLA Public Schools, UnitedHealthcare and partners for everything they’re doing for the people of our city during this difficult time.”
Launched on March 18 by NOLA-PS in collaboration with the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD), local non-profit organizations, faith-based partners and private businesses, the Citywide Feeding Program consists of 45 Community Feeding Distribution sites across New Orleans that provide easily-accessible breakfast and lunch during this prolonged school closure. Students over 18 that are enrolled in public K-12 schools, including students with disabilities through age 22, are also eligible for free meals at open sites.
“More than 500,000 meals have been served so far at our Citywide Food Distribution sites across Orleans Parish and the workers who show up to make this support available to our families are the real unsung heroes,” said NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. “I am grateful for this donation of personal protective equipment to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus among those workers and would like to thank City Councilman Jared Brossett for his diligence in connecting our school district with this donor.”
“New Orleans and the world are going through a tough time right now, and we all need to stick together. Today’s donation of personal protective equipment to help protect the workers at the Citywide Food Distribution sites is a good example of how members of the community can support those individuals on the frontlines determined to feed our students and families,” said OPSB Board President Ethan Ashley. “I would like to thank the generous donor who made this gift possible as well as Councilman Jared Brossett for helping make this donation a reality.”
“At this exigent time in our nation and community, UnitedHealthcare felt it was imperative to protect our children and their families to keep them safe and fed,” said UnitedHealthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Julie Morial. “We’re so proud to be able to partner with Councilman Brossett to provide this much-needed support for all those putting themselves at risk to help their neighbors in need.” For more information, or to view the latest Citywide Feeding Program schedule, click here.
