MemFeast returns for its 5th year, bringing hot meals and food boxes to fight food insecurity across Memphis from November 25-27.

Organized by Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in collaboration with community partners, the three-day event will serve hot Thanksgiving meals at 10 locations across the city on Wednesday, November 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

“Food insecurity is a real issue during the holidays,” said Dr. J. Lawrence Turner, Senior Pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. “Providing grocery boxes is an important way we respond to the need, but offering the warmth and comfort of a hot meal is just as important, and enjoyable, for the people of Memphis.”

Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery inspects boxes as they’re packed at Mississippi Blvd. Christian Church. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)

Additionally, food boxes designed to sustain a family of four for an entire week will be distributed at the church’s Midtown Campus through Wednesday, Nov. 27. Referrals are required to receive a food box.

Toni Holman-Turner, Senior Manager of Communications for the City of Memphis, pointed out how, for many kids, missing school means missing a meal.

“What people may not always realize is that for many children, their primary meals come from school,” she said. “By creating food boxes that can feed a family of four for an entire week, this initiative shows what Memphians can do when we come together. This is the true spirit of Memphis.”

Brian Harris, Director of Youth Services for the City of Memphis and a member of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, emphasized the collaborative nature of the event.

“This is not just about the church,” he said. “This is about the community feeding the insecure with hot meals on Wednesday and boxes for Thanksgiving Day and beyond.”

City and county elected officials agreed.

“During this season, we often focus on thanking God for our blessings, but we don’t think enough about those who are going without,” said City Council Chair JB Smiley Jr. “MemFeast is a powerful example of putting people at the forefront of our decisions. It’s about serving those in need, and I’m grateful to be part of this collaboration.”

“MemFeast highlights the goodwill and unity that Memphis is capable of,” said Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery. “Seeing the number of food boxes being distributed reminds us all of the importance of giving back to our community.”

Hot meals will be available at the following locations on Wednesday, November 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.:

  • 1. Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, 70 N. Bellevue Blvd
  • 2. Martin Memorial Temple CME Church, 65 S. Parkway W
  • 3. R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home, 3851 Austin Peay Hwy
  • 4. Dave Wells Community Center, 915 Chelsea Ave
  • 5. Memphis Office of Youth Services, 315 S. Hollywood St
  • 6. The Healing Center, 3885 Tchulahoma Rd
  • 7. Limit Breaker Church, 6270 E. Raines Rd
  • 8. Mt. Pisgah CME Church, 2490 Park Ave
  • 9. Greenlaw Community Center, 190 Mill Ave
  • 10. Faith Heritage Church, 3802 Gragg Ave

For more information on MemFeast, including how to volunteer or refer someone in need, contact Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church at 901-729-6222.