A grassroots volunteer effort is providing free meals to families and individuals affected by the government shutdown through weekly Friday distributions.
- Friends Taking Care of Friends, organized by Crestview resident Katrina Raines, held its first event Nov. 7 at the Old Spanish Trail Amphitheater, 205 Stillwell Blvd., serving spaghetti dinners and nonperishable items to more than 300 families.
“This is something that the Lord laid on my heart. All I did was make a post on Facebook. This is a community effort, it’s not just me,” Raines said.
The group plans to continue Free Food Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. each week through the end of the year, as long as resources and volunteers remain available. The next distribution is scheduled for Friday, with hot dogs and chili on the menu. Attendees should enter on Stillwell Boulevard and exit onto Industrial Drive.
- In addition to hot meals, the group provides canned goods and bottled water. No identification or income verification is required to receive assistance.
Jeremy Gilbert, a retired Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy and member of the volunteer group, credited the city of Crestview for its support.
“We couldn’t do this without the city backing us up,” Gilbert said.
The city has provided facilities for meal preparation and distribution, staff support and policing for the events.
Residents interested in volunteering or donating can find more information on the Friends Taking Care of Friends Facebook page.
