Six Years of Giving: Nana’s Southern Kitchen to Provide 1,000 Free Meals on Christmas Day

December 18, 2025 –   Nana’s Southern Kitchen is proud to announce its sixth annual Christmas Day meal giveaway, distributing 1,000 free meals at its Kent location. 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.Thanks to the generosity of community members and corporate partners, Nana’s Southern Kitchen is providing1,000 meals this year. In previous years, Nana’s gave out 1,375 meals in 2024, 1,000 meals in 2023, and 1,700 meals in 2022.On Christmas Day, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (or until meals run out), Nana’s will serve free hot meals, each including a main dish with two sides, to anyone who stops by. Meals will be available for pick-up at Nana's Southern Kitchen in Kent. Staff encourage patience as they work to serve more than 1,000 meals to the community.

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Business Judson Althoff, along with his spouse, Laura Althoff, led the effort by donating 408 meals. Rodney Clark, Ron and Tiffany Mills, Laura Longcore, and Melvin Flowers also donated 50 meals each.

Nana’s Southern Kitchen is grateful for every contribution, as each meal makes a meaningful difference. 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 marks the sixth year Nana’s has provided free meals to anyone in need, continuing the welcoming spirit of Nana’s namesake, Myrtle Henderson. According to owner Todd Minor, “My great grandmother, Nana, used her food to bring people together, teach life lessons, and welcomed everyone.”

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 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 the same dishes now enjoyed 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.” 

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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