I am a long-time Chattanooga resident and a retiree who enjoys volunteering at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen. They fed more than 120,000 meals last year to those less fortunate than most of us. They were able to do that because of the amazing generosity of Chattanooga citizens.

I want the community to know that Krystal Company has been the only restaurant chain in the city to send them surplus food to help meet the CCK’s many needs. Their test kitchen, located in the downtown Krystal building, will call me when they have any food they are ready to share. They even arranged for one of their suppliers of paper goods to donate disposable cups to the meal service.

“Feeding People from the Heart of the City” is the slogan from the CCK.

Next time you have to make a fast food choice, consider becoming a “Happy Krystal Customer.”

Matt Galas
Hixson

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We at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen are truly appreciative of all of the donations that make it possible to carry out our work. As Mr. Galas has pointed out, Krystal is among the many donors that enable us to serve more than 120,000 meals each year. However, we also receive donations from dozens of other area restaurants, coffee shops, caterers, food retailers and suppliers. From bagels to soups to coffee, bread and desserts, we receive donations of all kinds; and, not all of them come in the form of food.

Many folks think of the Community Kitchen as just that – a kitchen. It is true that feeding is among our most basic and primary services. But, here on the 700 block of East 11th Street, we do a whole lot more. We serve the homeless. And, in doing so, we’ve developed quite a few programs – from employment, to health care, shelter, transitional housing, and more, we work to meet ALL of the needs of our area’s homeless.

And, we rely on donations to meet these needs. It is true that many restaurants and businesses support our work with donations of food; these donations keep meals on our tables, and nourishing food in the neediest of bodies. Still, other donations provide clothing for folks going to job interviews, furniture for those moving off the streets into their own homes, and basic needs (like soap and shampoo) for those just starting the process. Often, the same restaurants, businesses, churches and individuals that donate items also support us with financial donations. Financial support makes it possible for us to keep an open door; without this support, our doors would literally close.

For 25 years, the Chattanooga Community Kitchen has been serving our area’s most vulnerable population with innovative, nationally recognized programs; our service is only possible because of our wonderful community of support. And, we are grateful.

Jens Christensen
Director of Marketing
Chattanooga Community Kitchen
cckm@chattanooga.net