Citizens Inn Haven From Hunger on 71 Wallis St. will be providing to-go and delivery meals on and leading up to Thanksgiving day this year completely free of charge. So far, the organization has delivered nearly 500 turkeys and sides to those who access their food pantry.
Founded in 1986, Citizens Inn has been a beacon of what it means to help those in need, with a commitment to food security that has meant serving hot meals to around 700 households, even on a holiday like Thanksgiving.
Leading up to the day, Citizens Inn’s food pantry hands out food kits to anyone who wants to prepare dinner at their own home. The kit includes a turkey, yams, green beans, stuffing mix, and pumpkin, according to Interim Executive Director Melissa Gonzalez.
“Last year, we distributed over 500 meals the day of Thanksgiving between the people who came to pick up prepared meals and deliveries that we did,” she said. “We are only able to do this because we have incredible people from the community that come and volunteer.”
The mantra for Citizens Inn Haven From Hunger is “neighbors feeding neighbors”, an objective that becomes materialized not just during the holiday, but all year round.
Gonzalez highlighted that the organization packed over 500 backpacks for back-to-school season this year and also mentioned a Christmas toy drive they’re currently holding so families that visit the food pantry can also pick up a present for their children.
In addition, Citizens Inn gives out 100 to 150 warm meals a night, a task powered by a community willing to do whatever it takes to feed a hungry neighbor. “We have churches and temples and rotary clubs, lots of community organizations that partner with us to come in and help,” said Gonzalez
For Thanksgiving, this means delivering beautifully prepared meals throughout the region and allowing anyone who walks in the front door to share in the holiday feast. Chef Matt Rosa has been cooking turkeys for around two weeks now in order to prepare for the occasion.
“We have people that come everyday that take time to volunteer in our food pantry and to prepare the meals in our meal program”, said Gonzalez. “I think what’s really meaningful to me is the way that people from the community step up and make it possible. Neighbors don’t let neighbors go hungry, and this is what it means.”
