During a government shutdown that disrupted SNAP benefits, Misty Washington turned prayer into action. The 46-year-old from East Texas told CBS News she felt called to help neighbors facing food insecurity, starting with a mobile pantry run straight out of her car.
Within hours, the need was overwhelming. Washington began cooking from her home and fed 86 people in just a few hours. When she posted about free meals for the first time, around 200 people showed up, and the food quickly ran out. That moment made the need clear, and she began paying out of her own pocket to keep meals coming.
According to Washington, her mission grew with the support of her husband, Bobby, and close friends. From spaghetti lasagna to full Thanksgiving plates, she has served about 300 meals in just three weeks to communities along I-75, including Mabank, Eustace, and Gun Barrel City, CBS News reports.
Washington says her motivation is deeply personal. She remembers struggling with food insecurity while raising her two daughters and doing everything she could to make sure they never felt it. Friends like Jamie Snuffer now help prepare meals, including Thanksgiving plates with turkey, ham, dressing, green bean casserole, gravy, rolls, cookies, and cranberry sauce.
At a Thanksgiving giveaway in a Mabank parking lot, all 100 plates were gone in under 10 minutes. Some recipients picked up meals for others without transportation. One woman told CBS News she often eats just once a day and chooses to feed her dog first.
As the food ran out, Washington became emotional, saying she hates turning anyone away and worries people depend on the meals. Still, she says the effort is bigger than her alone.
“This isn’t an ‘I’ show,” Washington told CBS News. “It’s a lot of people coming together.”
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