Funviralpark Thousands of families gathered at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Saturday for a free hot meal on Christmas Eve for the Super Feast.
Hosted by a nonprofit called the City Wide Club, a large food distribution event provided meals for approximately 25,000 Houstonians and set up sit-down dining areas for families. The food station featured his 20 trays of holiday season staples like corn, turkey, pumpkin pie, macaroni and cheese.
“I am blessed and not everyone in our community is in the same situation. It is important that I come and give back to my community. Being is what we do for ourselves.”
According to officials, the George R. Brown Convention Center serves as the city’s largest warming center and currently houses more than 800 people seeking shelter from freezing temperatures. Many who were staying at the warming center in another hall also came for the feast.
Enjoying a plate of sweet potatoes and brown rice, 65-year-old Larry Donnell said, “I appreciate what they’re doing with warming centers and food. I would have frozen to death there.”
Among those working the food-serving lines, Mayor Sylvester Turner came over to greet the organizers and attendees.
“I want to thank the dynamic timing of this Super Feast,” Turner told volunteers and partners. It culminated in the Feast, and it was nothing short of God working miraculously.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who was also in attendance, said the newly passed $1.7 trillion financing package includes nearly $800 billion for domestic priorities, housing, He told audiences he would help Houston and cities across the country with pollution, healthcare and other priorities.
“You’ll see these resources coming to Houston,” said D-Houston’s Jackson Lee.
Many nonprofits, such as the Texans Helping Texans Recovery Fund and SKYE Empowerment Service, set up tables next to their dining areas to spread their message. There was also another station where visitors could get toys, bicycles, clothes, and books for free.
Due to the long lines, families had to queue for hours to get their food. Around noon, after a three-hour wait, 29-year-old Houston native Anne Carter and her 10-year-old daughter finally got their turn at the food station.
“We always come here and volunteer, but this year we decided to attend the festival,” Carter said. It smells really good. The whole thing is so much fun. I love it.”
