The sixth annual Christmas Day meal giveaway at Nana’s Southern Kitchen in Kent is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 10234 SE 256th St.
About 730 meals will be distributed, according to Nana’s. Meals will be available for pick-up at the restaurant.
“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 Nana’s press release.
Nana’s gave out 1,375 meals in 2024, 1,000 meals in 2023 and 1,700 meals in 2022.
Nana’s will serve free hot meals, each including a main dish with two sides, to anyone who stops by. Staff encourage patience as they work to serve more than 700 meals to the community.
Judson Althoff, Microsoft CEO of Commercial Business, along with his spouse, Laura Althoff, led the effort by donating 408 meals, according to Nana’s. Rodney Clark, Ron and Tiffany Mills, Laura Longcore and Melvin Flowers donated 50 meals each.
“Nana’s Southern Kitchen is grateful for every contribution, as each meal makes a meaningful difference,” 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.”
Owner Todd Minor continues the welcoming spirit of Nana’s namesake, Myrtle Henderson. She was born in Goshen, Virginia, and later moved to New Haven, Connecticut. As a mother and grandmother, she cooked and served the same dishes now enjoyed today in the restaurant.
“My great grandmother, Nana, used her food to bring people together, teach life lessons and welcomed everyone,” Minor said.
Nana’s Southern Kitchen began as the dream of the Minor family. Though once living on separate coasts, they ultimately reunited to make that dream a reality. Today, four generations of the Minor family live in and near Kent, supporting the restaurant and sharing their family recipes with the community.
Nana’s Southern Kitchen serves Southern staples from a fixed menu, including oxtails, fried chicken, catfish, fried shrimp, and pork chops, along with sides such as potato salad, green beans, mustard or collard greens, cabbage, candied yams and macaroni and cheese.
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