Free food distribution event made possible by fans of Tre’Davious White

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Families and individuals looking for a little help regarding groceries had a chance to pick up some this weekend at no cost.

The event started at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 12. Food items were given to Shreveport and Bossier City residents at SUSLA (3050 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.)

In the immediate aftermath of his recent season-ending injury, Shreveport-native and All-Pro Cornerback Tre’Davious White received a rally from around the country through the Buffalo Bills support fan group, Bills Mafia Babes, to show their appreciation! The Bills Mafia Babes initiated the fundraiser to demonstrate their gratitude for White and leveraged social media asking fans to donate $27 (27 representing White’s jersey number). To honor him, over $125,000 had been directed to and raised for The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana.

Perishable and non-perishable food items were available. One allotment was given per each household.

Hundreds of people lined up to receive the free food thanks to the fans of NFL player and Shreveport native Tre’Davious White.

White’s mother, LaShawnita Ruffins, said fans got together after her son got injured on Thanksgiving and donated $27 each (White’s jersey number). The money was collected into a fund to give back to the community, and White chose the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana.

“He picked that’s where he wanted the money to go and we all got together and we do a food drive,” Ruffins said.

She said she holds events like this close to her heart.

“I feel great about it because years ago my mom and my grandmom used to go get the same boxes and things. So, I feel great knowing that back in the day, that’s what fed us. Now, we’re able to feed other families,” Ruffins said.

She said she hopes to help the community even more in the future.

“This is a large community. So, I opened it up for Shreveport and Bossier. This spread is not over. He got fans all over, so spread it all over. It’s going to be many more to come and actually more things coming,” she said.

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