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Nana’s Southern Kitchen and Community Partners to Hand Out More Than 800 Free Meals Christmas Day




Updated December 22, 2023 –  Nana’s Southern Kitchen proudly announces its fourth annual collaboration with corporate executives and community members to distribute over 800 free meals on Christmas Day at their Kent restaurant.


With the generosity of community members, corporate executives, and a local produce company, Nana’s Southern Kitchen is providing more than 800 meals, at their Kent Nana’s restaurant. Last year, Nana’s provided 1,700 meals, following 1,200 meals in 2021.

 

Microsoft’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Judson Althoff led the effort, donating 500 meals, and Kent’s Pacific Coast Fruit Company is providing fresh produce for the event. Cisco’s Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Small & Medium Business, Rodney Clark gave 100 meals while Microsoft's Vice President of Worldwide Learning, Laura Longcore, and Microsoft’s Lead Software Developer Ron Mills and family gave 50 meals each.


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 500 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.


From 11 am-1 pm (or until meals run out) on Christmas Day, the public is invited to Nana’s Southern Kitchen to receive one free main dish with two sides per person. Staff asks that everyone bring their patience as they serve 800 customers.


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. 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 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.

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