LIBERTY’S KITCHEN SETS TABLE FOR MAJOR EXPANSION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FREEPORT-MCMORAN

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New Orleans, LA – Today Liberty’s Kitchen announced major growth plans for its business and social impact programs. Effective April 24, the not-for-profit social enterprise will assume management of the cafeteria in the Freeport-McMoRan Building at 1615 Poydras Street in New Orleans’ Central Business District. The building’s third floor cafeteria, which is open to the public, serves about 700 guests daily, Monday through Friday, for breakfast and lunch. While maintaining a focus on quick and affordable options for patrons working in the immediate area, the cafeteria will also now feature a Starbucks “We Proudly Serve” coffee bar, open weekdays from 7am-2pm. Catering services for surrounding businesses will also be offered.

A local leader in youth workforce training and leadership development, Liberty’s Kitchen plans to expand its programs to the new CBD facility, introducing new career track services for local youth and young adults who have experienced disconnection from education and employment. Program participants who have successfully completed Liberty’s Kitchen’s entry-level hospitality industry training will have access to “next level” training, equipping them with the skills and experience they need to climb the ladder to sustainable, living wage jobs and leadership positions in their chosen field.

David Emond, Liberty’s Kitchen’s Executive Director, expressed his excitement about the organization’s growth, saying: “Our city is home to thousands of courageous, resilient young people who are so important to our future. When we invest just a little in their potential, the return is a dramatic expansion of locally sourced talent. Everyone wins. We are so grateful to FreeportMcMoRan for thinking outside the box and recognizing the opportunity to achieve meaningful social impact through this partnership.”

Dean Falgoust, and Pam Masson, both senior executives with Freeport-McMoRan’s New Orleans office said, “Freeport-McMoRan is extremely pleased to partner with Liberty’s Kitchen in their efforts to expand their program to provide much-needed training to our youth in New Orleans. We have great respect for the people at Liberty’s Kitchen and their mission.”

Since 2009, Liberty’s Kitchen has served more than 600 youth, investing in their potential to achieve their vision of success. The organization has more than 40 active employment partners throughout New Orleans, all of whom are committed to providing opportunity and training through externships and employment. In addition, Liberty’s Kitchen is a local leader in providing high quality, great-tasting, and nutritious food to children attending local public charter schools. Since 2010, the organization has prepared and served well over 2 million meals, raising the standard of nutrition and helping New Orleans school children excel in the classroom and beyond. Liberty’s Kitchen operates a breakfast and lunch café on North Broad Street in Mid City, serving signature items like their Black Bean Burger, Liberty’s Salad, and Gulf Fish Tacos. The organization also provides a wide range of catering services from office lunches to wedding receptions and everything in between.