For Immediate Release
New Orleans - Culture Aid Nola (CAN) announced on Saturday that they are launching an effort to direct relief to workers in the culture and hospitality sectors.

CAN's priority will be assisting culture and hospitality workers who may not meet the requirements of other aid programs, such as waiters, bartenders, dishwashers, tour guides, street performers, musicians and artists during the COVID-19 crises.

There are no barriers to accessing CAN aid. No proof of income is needed. No ID is needed. CAN does not discriminate against anyone.

CAN consists of: Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans, The Musician’s Clinic and Musician’s Assistance Fund, No Hunger NOLA, 504 Health Net, Trinity Mobile Loaves and Fishes and several others. Restaurants and businesses including: Whistle Pig Whiskey, Liberty’s Kitchen, Justine, Nole, HI New Orleans Hostel, Backspace, The Hyatt Regency, The Peacock Room, and several others who were not confirmed at the time of this release, have agreed to help by donating food and kitchen space.

CAN will begin by distributing at least 400 meal kits on Monday, March 23rd, 2020. Assistance and information on navigating the Medicaid sign up process will also be provided.

Participants will be directed to sign up via form on the CAN website (www.cultureaidnola.org) and will receive an email telling them when and where to pick up their meal kits. Meal kit items will vary week to week, but will usually include protein, produce, and grain based items.

Volunteers and restaurants can also sign up on the website.

Supplies are limited, and CAN stresses that not all will receive aid in this first distribution.

Signing up for one distribution does not guarantee a spot on the next.

“Culture and Hospitality workers are what makes New Orleans New Orleans” says group leader Erica Adelson “We need to support the people in these vital jobs. They are our friends, neighbors and family. We are dedicated to taking care of one another.”