Makin’ Groceries with the Hache Grant Association

The Hache Grant Association has taken care of the community ever since Hurricane Ida left the bayou. The first community event following the storm was a tailgating event where proceeds went towards the organization and its recovery efforts. Makin’ Groceries is a byproduct of that event. Hache Grant Association Treasurer, Jason Bergeron, said they have been having conversations with others to see where the most needs are at. They found out through churches they have helped with supplies before that residents are having issues with getting groceries and making the trip to go shopping. In true Hache Grant Association form, they found a way to help with that issue. They received names from the churches of those in need, provided the transportation, and gave them $200 gift cards to help with putting food on their tables. 

Bergeron said it’s been bringing a sense of normalcy to the residents. The rides from the lower bayous to Cannata’s were filled with conversations between neighbors who haven’t seen each other in a while and some time to relax. Upon arrival, they have some hot Community Coffee and king cake, provided by Cannata’s. Cannata’s donated red and white beans along with rice to the residents as well. The residents were grateful and shared their stories as they accepted the gift cards and set off to fill their baskets.

Bergeron said they are always looking for a next project that will help the community. They partner with many community partners, such as TEDA, to meet the needs of those hit hardest. They have helped provide names for those in need of shelter through the TEDA camper initiative, they provided showers for those in the lower areas that lost their homes and needed somewhere to “take a load off,” they also recognized the need for storage for those who lost their home and are storing what they have left under tarps. Bergeron shared that they have lined up five insulated storage units coming in after the first of the year that will have an air conditioner to help with climate control for their items. Not only does the organization help with providing much-needed services and supplies, but they also give back to the community in ways that creates jobs. For the tailgate event, they hired and paid bartenders, for the showers they hired locals to assist, for Makin’ Groceries, they hired a driver and rented a bus. “We are able to help give back to the community in multiple ways in all of our projects,” he said,” every time we have a function, we try to touch as many people as we can.” 

Cannata’s Store Director Joe Moore said they are honored to help the initiative. They are working with the organization to provide accommodations, coffee, king cake, and beans and rice donations because Moor said they wanted to help out. He said something as simple as the coffee and king cake brings a little bit of normalcy to the residents. “Just to see them come in and enjoy the refreshments brought smiles to their faces,” he said,” it’s nice to see some normalcy.”