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Feeding the 5-0 Becomes More Efficient
Feb 7, 2024
Mardi Gras Ushers in Upgrades to Meal Service for 8th District
The largest free show on earth, as we know, is not without its costs.
With nearly 1 million visitors pouring in for the 2024 Mardi Gras Season, the public safety measures are vast, largely unknown or underestimated.
The agencies that are on the ground and in the air extend far beyond our local NOPD. They include ATC, Orleans and Jefferson Parish Sheriff, Fire Marshal, Homeland Security, DEA, ATF, Special Forces, Coast Guard, FBI, and others. And we expect a contingent of 130 Louisiana State Police to bolster the law enforcement headcount.
The LRA partnered with New Orleans & Company to provide a commercial refrigerator, hot box for keeping food safe, and countertop chafing dishes. The LRA team has helped coordinate hotels and restaurants to provide three meals a day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the 8th District on Royal Street.
Providing the equipment allows for ease in feeding those working diligently to protect us, particularly in and around the French Quarter.
This effort was initiated to support large events like Mardi Gras but also French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest, Essence, the Sugar Bowl, and other events that impact our tourist corridors throughout the year.
Thank you to: Luke Restaurant, Red Fish Grill, Brennan’s on Royal, MMI Culinary, JW Marriott, Windsor Court, Hilton Riverside, Hotel Monteleone, Hyatt Centric, New Orleans Marriott, Sheraton New Orleans, Hyatt Regency, Sysco and Coca-Cola United.
NOPD Community Liaison Bronson Gettridge reported, “This weekend [Feb. 2-4] was a success. We had over 200 officers visit our station in three days for hot meals. The warmer and fridge were a big help, and we can’t say thank you enough.”
Through our partnership with Councilmember Freddie King, we have worked to provide meals in appreciation of the New Orleans Police Department in Council District C for the past two years.
If you are interested in supporting our law enforcement in the future, please contact Wendy Waren at wwaren@lra.org.