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LAPLACE – When Governor John Bel Edwards announced all restaurants would close their doors to dine-in service, it signaled financial hardship for Clara Solorzano’s family.

“I work as a server at El Paso Mexican Grill in LaPlace and I’ve heard a lot about this virus, but I didn’t know how bad this was going to affect me and my family,” Solorzano said. “The restaurant had to close the dine-in, which meant I was going to be unemployed for a short period. That really concerned me because I depend on tips.”

Solorzano’s new normal was compounded by stress as rising panic and she realized her family members with heart and respiratory diseases were among the most vulnerable.

New Wine Christian Fellowship, in partnership with the Healthy School Food Collaborative, is bringing a little bit of light to families who feel trapped in darkness. Food distributions are open to families with school age children ages 18 and under from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Monday, though Pastor Neil Bernard advises community members arrive early to the first come, first served event.

All 200 portions of food were distributed by 11 a.m. during the distribution last Monday. This Monday, organizers are planning to feed at least 400 children. Each child will receive a week’s worth of pre-packaged healthy meals for lunch.

“It gave me some relief because in these hard times that I’ve been unemployed, it’s been a really good help for my household,” Solorzano said. “The initiative is very helpful for those families that need it the most in this hard time.”

Food distributions are conducted in a drive-thru format, and Bernard said parents who come alone must fill out a form saying they have school age children.

“It’s part of our mission and our values to care for people, especially in their times of need and crisis,” Bernard said. “We’re very fortunate to work with groups who are committed to helping feed people, especially during this pandemic.”