In a continued celebration of the spirit of Mardi Gras, Zatarain’s will give away free meals to New Orleanians during Carnival season for the third year in a row. This year’s efforts aim to help feed musicians and residents of Tremé. The giveaway will take place Wednesday, February 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and it is open to all while supplies last.

Photo courtesy of Zatarain’s.

“Zatarain’s and Mardi Gras both capture the bold, unique flavor of New Orleans,” said Claude Davis, principal scientist at Zatarain’s who grew up in the Tremé neighborhood and still calls New Orleans home. “Our city really is like one big family, and at Zatarain’s we feel it is important to give back to our neighbors.”

The event will be hosted by Tremé’s very own jazz drummer Shannon Powell, known as the “King of Tremé,” who will also serve as emcee and play alongside his trio throughout the event playing Carnival classics and inviting some of his local musician friends to make an appearance.

At 11:00 a.m., Powell’s trio will begin to play and set the mood as the Zatarain’s team prepares the 500 Jambalaya meal kits. Food distribution will begin at 11:30 a.m. and continue until 1 p.m. or until all kits have been distributed. Each meal kit, which can be picked up either via drive-through or walk-up, will include one package of Zatarain’s Smoked Sausage – either Cajun Smoked or Andouille – and two packages of jambalaya rice mix. Free to-go cups and koozies will also be distributed along with other carnival surprises. 

“When they contacted me to ask if I would add some music to their food giveaway event, not only did I say yes, I said I wanted to host this at my house,” said Powell.  “It’s great that a brand like Zatarain’s, a company that has been a part of the community for over 100 years, would come out and give back. It puts a giant smile on my face, and I’m looking forward to making some jambalaya with Zatarain’s Smoked Sausage!”

Zatarain’s jambalaya giveaway will be located at 1313 St. Philip Street on Wednesday, February 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with food pickup beginning 11:30 a.m. Meal kits will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 For information and recipes, visit www.zatarains.com.

Update: In the original report, OffBeat wrote that 750 meals would be donated. That number has been reduced to 500.