Celebrating Thanksgiving with “Chef Judy”
When I moved with my kids from Houston to Kilgore, I was hoping we had left hunger behind. However, because I live with a disability, my income is very limited. I can barely pay the rent and other bills.As much as I loved my new community, my family’s struggles with hunger weren’t over. It’s just so hard to buy healthy food because the prices are so high. Turns out, I had moved to a town full of caring neighbors who wanted to help!
The Helping Hands Food Pantry in Kilgore, a partner agency of the East Texas Food Bank, welcomed me with open arms. They made me feel like this pantry exists to serve folks like me, who just need a little help making ends meet. I really appreciate what they’re doing, and I love preparing everything I receive: fresh produce, pasta, meat, and more. Now, I don’t think I’m a good cook—but my son does! I think he might like my Thanksgiving turkey best.
We get one every year at the food pantry. I cook it overnight, and then the next morning it’s real tender—falling off the bone!
Thank you for helping neighbors like Judy at the holidays and all year-round. Due to the pandemic, we’re expecting to serve more families at every single one of our partner agencies and feeding programs this holiday season. Your gift today will provide hearty holiday fare—and hope!