L.O.V.E.’s Kitchen in Meridian serves breakfast and lunch nearly every day of the week, but Fannie Johnson, the executive director of the organization, said that Thursday’s Thanksgiving lunch was different. 

“Usually we try to go for something healthier,” Johnson said with a laugh. “We’re serving a traditional Thanksgiving…It’s a little extra. This is a little more gluttonous.”

Clients at the kitchen ate dressing, macaroni and cheese, turkey and cranberry sauce in addition to six different dessert options: pumpkin cookies, chocolate cookies, apple pie, chocolate cake, lemon cake or vanilla cake. 

Johnson, who also represents Ward 4 on the Meridian City Council, said that volunteers and staff had spent the previous day preparing something special. 

“We make Thanksgiving at L.O.V.E.’s Kitchen just like home because L.O.V.E.’s Kitchen is like home for some of these folks,” Johnson said. “We want to make them feel like they’re at home.”

With more than 500 meals prepared, the kitchen’s staff served Thanksgiving lunch in styrofoam to-go containers, packaged up so clients could easily take leftovers with them. 

“Here, they’re not homeless or the working poor,” Johnson emphasized. “Their plate looks just like everyone else’s today.”

Johnson thanked the many who donated turkeys, hams and more to make the lunch possible. 

For those looking to donate to the kitchen during the holiday season, Johnson requested that people call first. 

“If you’re going shopping – grocery shopping or clothing shopping – and want to donate, call us and we can tell you what we need,” Johnson said. “I’ve got several coats in the back, but I’ve only got one hat. Give us a call and we can tell you what people are asking for.”