Nana’s Southern Kitchen in Kent plans to give away more than 1,000 meals Christmas Day.
It’s the fifth annual year of free meals that will be distributed between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the restaurant, 10234 SE 256th St., near Kent-Meridian High School.
“In partnership with corporate executives, community members, and volunteers, Nana’s Southern Kitchen continues its tradition of giving back to the community, providing warm, home-cooked meals for those in need,” according to a Dec. 16 Nana’s press release.
Last year, Nana’s provided 1,000 meals, following 1,700 meals in 2022.
Nana’s will serve free hot meals, including a main dish with two sides to anyone who stops by. The meals will be available for pick-up at Nana’s. Staff encourages patience as they work to serve 1,000-plus meals to the community.
Nana’s Southern Kitchen serves Southern staples, from a fixed menu, including main dishes of oxtails, 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.
Those who have donated meals, according to the press release, include:
Judson Althoff, Microsoft’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, 500 meals; Rodney Clark, Cisco’s senior vice president of Partnerships and Small & Medium Business, 100 meals; Chris Capossela, former executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Microsoft, 100 meals; and Jeffrey Yapp, CEO Strategic Partner Microsoft Corporation, 100 meals.
Additionally, each of the following donated 50 meals, Laura Longcore, Microsoft’s vice president of Worldwide Learning; Rashida Hodge, Microsoft’s Corporate vice president of Customer Success Azure Data and AI Team Lead software developer; Merrie Williamson, former Microsoft Corporate vice president of Azure Infra; and Ron Mills, Microsoft senior data analyst and family.
More than 30 other individuals also contributed, donating anywhere from one to 25 meals.
“Nana’s Southern Kitchen is grateful for every contribution, as each meal makes a meaningful difference in the community,” according to the press release. “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 giving time on Christmas Day.”
Nana’s owner Todd Minor said 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,” Minor said.
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