Fish Fry and Food Boxes to Feed 5,000

Gonzales, LA (September 25, 2021) – “Toward evening the disciples approached him (Jesus). “We’re out in the country, and it’s getting late. Dismiss the people so they can go to the villages and get some supper.” But Jesus said, “There is no need to dismiss them. You give them supper.” “All we have are five loaves of bread and two fish,” they said. Jesus said, “Bring them here.” Then he had the people sit on the grass. He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread to the disciples. The disciples then gave the food to the congregation. They all ate their fill. They gathered twelve baskets of leftovers. About five thousand were fed” (MSG Matt. 14:15-21).

Randy Wells, Executive Director of Faith Mission in Brenham, TX, wanted to live this scripture out loud – and that’s exactly what he’s doing. Randy, along with his team members, partnered with The Salvation Army to create three feeding and distribution sites today and tomorrow. Each site would have a delicious meal cooked by Celebrity Chef Darrell Johnson, winner of the Great Food Truck Race Season 10, with NOLA Creations and Louisiana Fish Fry providing all the food. In addition to a hot and tasty meal, every family will receive a food box to assist in restocking their shelves at home.

Houma, La was the first location today, serving more than 1,500 meals at Rouses Market. The Fish Fry will then pack up and move to Dularge Baptist Church (2567 Bayou Dularge Rd., Theriot, LA) this afternoon from 4 pm – 6 pm. Tomorrow, the Fish Fry and food box distribution will continue at Kids of Distinction from 11 am – 2 pm (944 Cambridge Dr., LaPlace, LA).

“Just like The Salvation Army, our goal is to be like Jesus every day,” says Wells. “If Jesus fed the 5,000 with two fish and five loaves of bread – between Houma, Dularge, and LaPlace – we’re going to feed 5,000 people too!”

Faith Mission serves as the administrator of The Salvation Army funds raised in Washington County, Texas. All donations support those in need of emergency housing and utility assistance, providing hope all year long. Thank you, Randy, and Faith Mission, for your dedication to serving others and Darrell Johnson of NOLA Creations and Louisiana Fish Fry.

The mobile units from the Gonzales IMT have served 282,138 meals, 125,626 drinks, and 91,129 snacks. The emotional and spiritual care team has made connections with 19,232 since 8/31/21. In addition to the mobile feeding units, 6,955 cleanup kits, 6,985 hygiene kits, and 4,948 food boxes have been distributed.

To make a financial donation to support ongoing Hurricane Ida relief efforts, go to helpsalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. For the latest disaster response information, go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and watch for regular updates on our social media pages at www.facebook.com/salvationarmytexas/ and www.twitter.com/salarmytx