The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is teaming up with Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church in Grand Isle to provide Thanksgiving dinners to residents of the coastal town, many of whom are still recovering from Hurricane Ida. Grand Isle suffered a devastating blow by the powerful storm that damaged the majority of homes, businesses and other structures.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, boxed meals will be available from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for residents to either pick up or eat at the church for family-style dining. The meals will include turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberries and bread pudding.
Our Lady of the Isle Church has been supplying meals on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the recovery process, but Father Mark Toups said he didn’t know if the church would be able to provide a Thanksgiving meal to the community. It was during a recent visit by Gov. John Bel Edwards who returned to meet with local officials that Father Toups connected with LDWF Sec. Jack Montoucet to come up with a solution.
“I’m grateful to Father Toups and Sec. Montoucet for working together to help provide a Thanksgiving meal to the community,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “This has been a difficult year, and the people of Grand Isle are fighting hard to return to some sense of normalcy. I know this effort will be another step toward that goal. Seeing the community come together in this way reminds us that we have many reasons to give thanks. Donna and I pray that everyone has a safe and blessed holiday.”
“I am glad that LDWF can be part of this heart felt offering that Father Toups wanted to share with the residents of Grand Isle,” said Sec. Montoucet.
“I am happy that the Governor felt it in his heart to make this happen,” said Father Toups.