Nana’s Southern Kitchen this week announced its fifth annual Christmas Day meal giveaway, where over 1,375 free meals will be distributed at its Kent location (map below).
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.
With the generosity of community members and corporate executives, Nana’s Southern Kitchen is providing more than 1,375 meals, at their Kent restaurant. Last year, Nana’s provided 1,000 meals, following 1,700 meals in 2022.
On Christmas Day, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (or until meals run out), 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 Southern Kitchen in Kent. Staff encourages patience as they work to serve 1,000+ meals to the community.
Microsoft’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Judson Althoff led the effort, donating 500 meals. Cisco’s Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Small & Medium Business Rodney Clark, former Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Microsoft, Chris Capossela, and CEO Strategic Partner Microsoft Corporation Jeffrey Yapp each gave 100 meals. Additionally, Microsoft’s Vice President of Worldwide Learning, Laura Longcore, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President of Customer Success Azure Data and AI Team Lead Software Developer Rashida Hodge, former Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Azure Infra Merrie Williamson, Microsoft Corporate Vice Presiden, Global Demand Center Stephanie Ferguso,n and Microsoft Senior Data Analyst Ron Mills and family gave 50 meals each.
More than 40 individuals also contributed to this effort, 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. 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.
This is the fifth year that Nana’s will give free meals to anyone in need. The event continues the welcoming spirit of Nana’s namesake Myrtle Henderson.
According to Nana’s owner Todd Minor:
“My great grandmother, Nana, used her food to bring people together, teach life lessons, and welcomed everyone.”
Nana’s Southern Kitchen started as the dream of the Minor family. Despite living on separate coasts, they eventually got everyone together to make it happen. Four generations of the Minor family now live in Kent to support and share their family recipes with the community.
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.
According to Todd:
“Service was in my Great-Grandma’s DNA. 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 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.
“Follow Nana’s Southern Kitchen on Facebook and Instagram for updates and to see where we are going next,” organizers said.
