Nana’s Southern Kitchen in Kent plans to distribute more than 250 free meals on Christmas Day during its fourth annual collaboration with corporate executives and community members to help people who need a good meal.
With the generosity of community members, corporate executives and a local produce company, Nana’s Southern Kitchen will provide the meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until meals run out) on Dec. 25 at 10234 SE 256th St., according to a Dec. 18 Nana’s press release. Last year, Nana’s provided 1,700 meals, following 1,200 meals in 2021.
The free meal includes a main dish with two sides per person. Staff asks that everyone bring their patience as they serve 250 customers.
Rodney Clark, Seattle-based senior vice president of Partnerships and Small & Medium Business for the California technology company Cisco, led the effort, donating 100 meals. Kent’s Pacific Coast Fruit Company is providing fresh produce for the event, according to the press release.
Additionally, more than 25 individuals contributed to the effort, donating 1 to 50 meals. Nana’s Southern Kitchen staff is inspired by all of those who contributed whether it was one or 100 meals. Every meal makes a positive impact. Nana’s has also had a handful of repeat volunteers step up to ensure this year’s success. Nana’s is beyond thankful to those who are giving time on Christmas Day.
This is the fourth year that Nana’s will give free meals to anyone in need. The event continues the welcoming spirit of Nana’s namesake Myrtle Henderson.
“My great grandmother, Nana, used her food to bring people together, teach life lessons and welcomed everyone,” said Nana’s owner Todd Minor.
Nana’s is named after Todd’s great-grandmother Myrtle Henderson who was born in Goshen, Virginia and later moved to New Haven, Connecticut. As a mother and grandmother, Myrtle, cooked and served family and friends the same foods you can enjoy today in the restaurant.
“Service was in my great grandma’s DNA,” Minor said. “She made sure everyone always had a full belly whether they were going to work, church or school. We do the same, ensuring our customers get exceptional service even while on the go with our takeout meals.”
Nana’s Southern Kitchen serves Southern staples, from a fixed menu, including main dishes of fried chicken, catfish, fried shrimp and pork chops with sides of potato salad, green beans, mustard or collard greens, cabbage, candied yams and macaroni and cheese.
Minor opened the Kent location in 2019. He opened a second location in Covington in 2021, but closed the restaurant in June. Minor posted on Facebook that the decision to close was a shift in strategy.
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