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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)– Thanksgiving came early at the New Orleans Mission.

On Monday, Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts served 1,000 meals to those in need at the New Orleans Mission. This comes after what Creole Cuisines describes as a growing need to reach the community.

The hunger statistics are clear and staggering. In Louisiana: one in six households is at-risk for hunger, while one in five children struggles with hunger. And everyday, one in 12 seniors makes the tough choice between purchasing food or paying for utilities, medication, or rent.

“We are staunchly committed to serving those in our community that are less fortunate, especially during the holidays,” states Marv Ammari, Chief Operating Officer of Creole Cuisine. “We have been given many blessings over the years and we want to pay it forward any chance we can.”

The New Orleans Mission is the largest faith based, private service provider among 60 shelters catering to the homeless population of New Orleans. They provide food, shelter, clothing, and spiritual guidance to the city’s homeless, hurting, and hungry.

“Our commitment to meet the physical, social, and spiritual needs of the homeless community could not be met without the generous support of partners like Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts,” states David Bottner, Executive Director for the New Orleans Mission.

Alumni of the New Orleans mission were among those volunteering today, and during this week of giving thanks comes time for reflection.

“It’s changed their life drastically,” said Herman Trammell, who attributes the upward turn his life has taken post jail to the New Orleans Mission.  “The people we help here today want to come in the program and be apart of the New Orleans Mission, the Giving Hope foundation, and the retreat and they want their lives changed. They want to be closer to God.”