The San Antonio nonprofit is preparing a festive feast of succulent ham, homemade mac-and-cheese and country-style green beans.<\/p>\n
SAN ANTONIO \u2014 For Faith Kitchen, their mission to serve San Antonio\u2019s homeless community is year-around. But during the holiday season, the work takes on extra meaning.<\/p>\n
Executive Chef Lorris Gibson and his team are preparing hot meals for a festive holiday feast. The menu includes comfort foods like mac-and-cheese and ham, along with fruits and vegetables.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are definitely doubled down getting things done,\u201d Gibson said.<\/p>\n
Gibson has been part of Faith Kitchen for 12 years and said the work is more than a job, it\u2019s a calling. The kitchen serves people who don\u2019t always have a traditional place to call home, offering not just food but dignity and care.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe come in here ready to work on Christmas Day and get it done,\u201d Gibson said. \u201cWe\u2019re pretty happy to be able to do this. It\u2019s pretty special.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Gibson, the mission is especially personal.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing an alumni of Haven for Hope and understanding a lot of the battles that people go through, the drug addiction and everything. We\u2019re not just serving that meal but also being able to mentor. 90% of my cooks were out there,” Gibson said. \u00a0<\/p>\n
It’s that shared experience that has created a sense of connection, which Gibson stressed can be just as important as the food itself.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe thing I love about it and the biggest compliment I\u2019ve ever gotten and it\u2019s happened several times, to see somebody actually say it reminds them of their mom. That means they\u2019re escaping here for a little bit of where they\u2019re at. That\u2019s one of the biggest rewards,” Gibson said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Gibson hopes to expand Faith Kitchen\u2019s property so the organization can serve even more people in need.<\/p>\n