NEW ORLEANS – Restaurateur Anthony Marullo, who owns the French Market Restaurant, 1001 Decatur St., will serve 150 working families with children in day care on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Marullo said he was moved to help parents who carry the child care burden without much assistance for kids below 4-years-old.
“When I saw the media reports that quality child care and education for toddlers costs almost as much as a college education each year, I said ‘AMEN!’ It’s time we told state leaders that working parents need help,” Marullo, who has his own children in day care, said. “I thought why not start right here, right now.”
A report by the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children said an existing Louisiana tax credit program has helped 14,500 families with children up to 4-years-old access affordable quality child care and education, but the need is far greater than what is available due to aggregate funding cuts in the past eight years that reduced funds for child care by 70 percent.
“We’re giving a dime with one hand, but taking away a dollar in another,” Marullo said. “I feel it in my pocket too. So I want to give a break to moms and dads like me, who work and struggle with child care for their toddler.
“I’m grateful to every parent who takes the effort to provide the best care and education for their children, because that is how we build productive New Orleanians,” Marullo said. “And I’m also thankful for groups like the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children and our Legislators and Governor who take the time to learn about our struggles and solve them with reasonable policies.”
Families with kids enrolled in the Royal Castle Child Care Development Center of Hollygrove and others will participate.
