Columbia organization continues Thanksgiving meal honoring Almeta Crayton
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
For 26 years now, people in Columbia have come together every Thanksgiving for a meal known as "Everybody Eats."
What started under community activist and former city council member Almeta Crayton has continued on past her death. Now, Powerhouse Community Development Corporation makes the meal, which is open to anyone who wants or needs it.
Crayton died in 2013.
Her godson, Kentrell Minton, took over until he passed away in 2020. In 2021, Columbia's Powerhouse Community Development decided to assume responsibilities in Crayton's honor.
Powerhouse continues to run "Everybody Eats," but under the name "A Time To Give Thanks."
It was held at the Columbia Senior Activity Center at 1121 Business Loop 70 E. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. Powerhouse also delivered boxed meals to homes last week as part of its Thanksgiving meal.
ABC 17 spoke with Powerhouse CEO and Founder Charles Stephenson he said that they served almost 2,000 people today, 700 more than last Thanksgiving.
Missouri is one of eight states that experiences food insecurity more than the national average, according to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"Just ridiculous. Some of the pricing then, so a lot of people just can't afford it. And in the days climate, I just think it's much more needed today than ever in our time in history," said Stephenson.
