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From Our Family to Yours Fresh Salmon USDA Choice Boneless Fillets
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Ribeye Steaks
$7.99 $13.99 www.robertfreshmarket.com lb. See our full ad inside.
N O L A.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, A p r i l 1, 2026
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9th Ward community garden fighting food deserts Couple leads growth of produce, access across south Louisiana BY CHELSEA SHANNON Staff writer
In and around New Orleans, there are still many vacant lots scattered throughout neighborhoods. Many see the blight and eventually ignore its existence. But Ashley Webb and her husband, Andres Barcelo-Sanchez, saw opportunity instead. “We saw a piece of land, and we were like, well, we’ll do something one day,” Webb said about the first time she and her husband walked their dog by the vacant lot. Webb, who is from Lake Charles and grew up in Lafayette, laid
“I was used to being able to walk to the grocery store, I even had a farmers market I could walk to in Los Angeles. So I was like, OK, if it’s not something I can get, maybe it’s something I can make happen.” ASHLEY WEBB, Barcelo Gardens co-founder roots in New Orleans in 2017 after moving with her family from Los Angeles. They bought the land at 2301 Gallier St. in the Upper 9th Ward and began planting and growing their vision in 2019. But
Webb was struck by the lack of access to food for her family and neighbors. “I was used to being able to walk to the grocery store, I even had a farmers market I could walk to in Los Angeles,” Webb said. “So I was like, OK, if it’s not something I can get, maybe it’s something I can make happen.” After years of hard work, they have built a thriving community garden called Barcelo Gardens, and the couple has also recently taken over organizing the Lafreniere Park Farmers Arts Market after the previous director
ä See GARDEN, page 2G
STAFF PHOTO BY ENAN CHEDIAK
Ashley Webb tends to the market at Barcelo Gardens on Gallier Street in New Orleans on Saturday.
STAFF PHOTOS BY ENAN CHEDIAK
The Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade rolls down Veterans Boulevard on Sunday.
COLORS OF THE SEASON
Grand Marshals Cameron Henry, left, and Erik Youngblood march in the Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade.
Shannon Pham, center, catches a potato in a giant pot.
Thinking about buying a bunny for Easter? There are some things to know beforehand
The idea of surprising the kids with a fluffy bunny can feel like the perfect Easter gift. They’re adorable, soft and seem like a fun addition to the family. But bringing home a rabbit is a decision that deserves much more
see an unfortunate trend. thought than a trip to the In the weeks following store. Easter, many of these Rabbits are often mis“gift” rabbits are surunderstood as “easy” pets, when in reality, rendered to shelters or, they require significant worse, released outdoors. Traci care, time and long-term Domesticated rabbits Howerton are not equipped to surcommitment. Many families don’t undervive in the wild. They ANIMAL RESCUE rely on humans for food, stand this until after the shelter and protection, holiday has passed and and releasing them is almost the novelty has worn off. always a death sentence. That’s when shelters begin to
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Rabbits are also not ideal pets for young children. While they may look like the perfect cuddly companion, they are fragile animals that can be easily injured if handled improperly. They can also scratch or bite when frightened, which makes supervision essential. Another common misconception is that rabbits can live in a
STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
Rabbits can thrive as pets, but they do require care, attention and a proper ä See BUNNY, page 6G environment.
Louisiana Local
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Pork Chops
Includes 4 each Sirloin, Center Cut and Rib End Chops!
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$ 27 LB
MISSISSIPPI FARM RAISED
5
$ 88
Fresh Catfish Fillet
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5 - 10 OZ SELECTED
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5
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Community Coffee
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Prices good at all New Orleans, Gretna, Kenner, Metairie, Marrero, Slidell, Mandeville and Covington stores April 1st - April 8th, 2026.