L.O.V.E.'S Kitchen

We Feed the Hungry

Judge Billy Neville founded LOVE’S Kitchen and charged that no person who entered the door for a meal would be refused based on his or her circumstances. He felt that even people who had jobs could have financial difficulties, such as medical expenses, which would limit their ability to purchase food between pay periods. It is on this premise that LOVE’s Kitchen was built; to feed the hungry with no questions asked and no judgment passed. LOVE’s Kitchen has been in operation since the 1980’s and is supported by businesses, churches and individuals in the community. 

Fannie Johnson, Executive Director states, “Our main mission is feeding those who are hungry; our ultimate goal is that they eat. Our second goal is to get them resources to be able to feed themselves. Over the years we have changed and adapted to the needs of our clients and put an increased emphasis on the outreach part of the program. We work diligently to not duplicate services of other nonprofits. There are several organizations we ask to come and work with us to meet the needs of the people. Street2Feet, an organization devoted to helping the homeless, brings our clients in and helps them build resumes. They then help get interviews, jobs, and assist in getting them in their own homes. We noticed they needed access to MCC to pass GED and ASVAB tests, so we tutored them and provided transportation. We have around 1,000 volunteers a year and our volunteer opportunities aren’t just focused on cooking and serving food. They help tutor, find relatives, and help make doctor appointments.”

LOVE’s Kitchen has another program, Fruits of Labor. This is a preventative program for clients needing help getting a job so that they don’t become homeless. LOVE’s Kitchen also works with MUETH, Mississippi United to End the Homelessness, serving as a satellite location when the homeless need to meet with someone. “We could not do what we do without these support organizations,” adds Fannie.

LOVE’s Kitchen is not just for homeless people. People with fixed incomes utilize their services. They have prevention plans in place so that people don’t have to decide if they are going to pay rent or buy medicine. LOVE’s Kitchen helps take choices off the table by providing the meals. They provide donated hygiene packets that clients can get anytime, seasonal clothing, shelter items, sleeping bags, and blankets. 

“LOVE’s Kitchen belongs to the chamber,” Fannie says, “Because I love the networking opportunities, the friendships, and alliances formed. Everything I can learn about the community and surrounding areas helps the work of the Kitchen. EMBDC connected me to what I needed.  When our clients had a job interview, they needed clean clothes. I was originally taking clothes home to wash them and then approached EMBDC’s Leadership Lauderdale class about taking it on as a project. The LL class was able to raise enough money to buy us two washers and dryers!  So now we offer twice a week laundry service to the homeless only,” adds Fannie. “We live in a city that is so loving, giving, and caring; there is always someone I can call no matter what the need. LOVE’s Kitchen could not exist or succeed without this community.”

Stop by one day and witness the filled dining room. Their monthly meal count of 4,000 tells their story in a simple way. LOVE’s Kitchen is needed. Financial donations are used to pay for daily operational costs, which include utilities and insurance. Your tax deductible donations give the support needed to provide balanced, wholesome meals and a safe welcoming environment for the clients.

LOVE’s Kitchen – Lauderdale Outreach and Volunteer Effort.
801 18^th Avenue South, Meridian, MS 39301