Toups Fest Returns
The Broadside will host the second annual Toups Fest on June 22, featuring music, food, and fundraising efforts as Chef Isaac and Amanda Toups support their nonprofit's work against food insecurity in New Orleans.
Hosted by Toups Family Meal and presented by Hardhide Strawberry Whiskey, the fest will run from 5 to 9 p.m. Headlining the night is Grammy-winning Cajun band The Lost Bayou Ramblers, with local opener Midriff warming up the stage.
Toups Fest Fights Hunger
Founded in March 2020 as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Toups Family Meal started as a grassroots effort to get meals to struggling families. Since then, the nonprofit has evolved into a year-round operation focused on tackling systemic hunger in Orleans Parish. To date, TFM has served over 175,000 meals, with a special focus on children, disaster relief, and underserved neighborhoods often overlooked in the city's food system.
Proceeds from Toups Fest will go toward expanding TFM's programming, including its summer meal distribution initiative, which has already delivered more than 70,000 meals. The organization has previously led other community-based fundraisers, such as their seasonal pumpkin drive.
Hardhide Strawberry Whiskey
Hardhide Strawberry Whiskey serves as the proud presenting sponsor of Toups Fest. Crafted in New Orleans, Hardhide's natural strawberry-infused, 86‑proof whiskey is made using fresh Ponchatoula strawberries and aged wheat whiskey.
Their whiskey recently earned a gold medal from TAG Global Spirits Awards. Through their new deal with Republic National Distributing Company, they will bring their fruit-infused whiskeys to shelves in nine Southern states, including Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and Florida.
For more information on Hardhide's lineup, recipes, or where to buy a bottle near you, visit hardhidestrawberrywhiskey.com.
Admission
General admission tickets are available now for $40 online, but organizers are offering a pay-what-you-can option at the door to ensure that the event stays accessible.
In addition to attending the festival, locals can also support TFM year-round by signing up to volunteer here or by making a donation here. For more information about Toups Family Meal, visit toupsfamilymeal.com or follow them on social media @toupsfamilymeal.
