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LAPLACE — One year ago, Blessed to Be a Blessing partnered with Cargill, Mercy Chef and others to prepare fully-cooked Thanksgiving meals for families who were largely displaced from their homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.

Most families have since returned home, but Blessed to Be a Blessing founder Eliza Eugene said inflation has placed a new set of financial burdens upon residents of St. John the Baptist Parish, where more than 50% of families live in poverty or asset-limited, income-constrained homes.

This year, Blessed to Be a Blessing and Cargill have partnered with St. John the Baptist Parish for a Thanksgiving Turkey and Ham giveaway to be held on Saturday, November 19 at the St. John Parish Community Center at 2900 U.S. 51 in LaPlace. The first 700 families will receive both a turkey and a ham along with all the trimmings – corn bread, dressing, dirty rice, peas, yams, apple pie, and a two-liter coke.

The event will take place from 7 to 10 a.m., or until all food has been distributed. There will be a limit of two families per car, and individuals must show a driver’s license or a utility bill to prove they are a resident of St. John the Baptist Parish.

“Since Hurricane Ida, some things have changed, and some things remain the same. We are still seeing some families struggling financially because their home is not repaired, and they are still dealing with the aftermath of the storm. Again, here at Blessed to be a blessing, we want to continue to help whichever way we can to minimize expenses for the holidays,” Eugene said. “Everyone deserves to have a happy holiday or a happy Thanksgiving with a fully cooked meal. We went back to giving uncooked products because most families have returned home, but we know there is still a financial burden.”

Eugene is thankful to Cargill and St. John Parish’s assistance, as well as the continued support of longtime partner Matherne’s Supermarket for once again coming through to help the families of St. John Parish despite industry challenges in food supply.