In an initiative that fuses the fight against hunger with community support, the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission has teamed up with Second Harvest Food Bank to deliver a free after-school meal service, dubbed Kid Café, for the city's youth. Designed for individuals 18 years old and under, the program seeks to fortify children from low-income families with nutritious meals during the academic year. The initiative, also in collaboration with No Kid Hungry and Share Our Strength, is more than just feeding—it's about creating a sustainable future one plate at a time, according to the City of New Orleans.
This important service is available every weekday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at several New Orleans Recreation Development Commission centers, including Cut-Off, Desire/Florida, and Gernon Brown Recreation Centers, among others. These centers offer more than just meals—they provide a place for local youth to grow and thrive. Families can find a full list of participating centers on the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission website, as reported by the City of New Orleans.
According to Larry Barabino, Jr., CEO of the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, "This free meal program is a crucial part of our commitment to ensuring that every young person in New Orleans has the nourishment they need to succeed," as per the City of New Orleans. Shared in a statement with the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, Barabino's words underscore the importance the commission places on removing impediments to child welfare and supporting the foundations of a healthy future.
