Locals Feeding Locals
Jean Abshier Forrest, Ira Jean Echols, Linda Hearne Jackson and Kedrick Williams prepare food for local seniors for the Community Hot Meal volunteer program.
Linda Hearne Jackson begins cooking food early Tuesday morning at the First Baptist Church of Anahuac kitchen.
ANAHUAC— Since 2015, a group of locals have dedicated their time and effort to serve seniors around central Chambers County, providing hot meals each Tuesday.
The Community Hot Meal, a volunteer program, began in 2015 as the Senior Citizens Program of Chambers County and has grown over the years, serving about 125 plates each Tuesday, peaking at about 145 plates.
“I like to do anything I can to help people,” volunteer Kedrick Williams said. “I work for the people and God.”
When the senior program dissolved, board members Linda Hearne Jackson and Jean Abshier Forrest, with volunteer Ira Jean Echols, Ph.D. and Ed.D., decided to continue the service for the seniors under the name Community Hot Meal.
Hearne Jackson, Abshier Forrest, Echols and Williams, their most recent volunteer, prepare and distribute hot lunch plates to go. Hearne Jackson not only cooks but also prepares the menu and does the shopping for groceries and supplies.
“Sharing food is love for me,” Hearne Jackson said.
Hearne Jackson began as a dishwasher for the original program and worked her way up to preparing and cooking meals.
The group serves hot meals with an occasional salad or sandwich, depending on what has been donated. Desserts are provided by the St. James and St. Paul United Methodist Churches, ESA Sorority and the occasional donation.
“We try to make it a well-balanced meal,” Echols said. “I personally think that it supports and helps the community, especially those who are aged and cannot get out.”
With help from Brother Michael Myers and other volunteers, the crew delivers plates to recipients unable to drive, most bringing at least 15 plates each.
The First Baptist Church of Anahuac allows the volunteers to use their kitchen for meal preparation as part of their community outreach programs.
The program is made possible by donations from locals, organizations and food fairs. Local organizations include Anahuac Lions Club, Trinity Episcopal Church of Anahuac and the Mid-County Ministerial Alliance.
Any seniors are welcome to grab a plate from the First Baptist Church. Meal service is from 11 a.m. to noon or until plates run out.
Anyone who wishes to donate may do so by bringing donations to the church kitchen on Tuesday between 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. or by mailing Community Hot Meal at P.O. Box 2362, Anahuac.
The First Baptist Church is located at 405 Magnolia Ave. S., Anahuac. Community Hot Meal is not a tax-exempt charity.