Toledo catering company brings free Christmas meals to people in need

TOLEDO, Ohio — Savanna’s Soul Kitchen has been serving its specialty — homemade soul food — to people who need a hot meal and a little hope every holiday season for the past five years.

Founder and owner Chawone Ardey named the kitchen after her daughter, Savanna Guy, who also stepped up to serve meals to dozens.

“It means a lot that we can help. We can celebrate Christmas with other people who don’t have people to celebrate with,” Guy said.

The kitchen began out of a need in the community.

“My mom noticed that there were people downtown that didn’t have food and stuff, so she thought that we could get food to them on holidays,” Guy said.

At least a dozen people were able to enjoy a nourishing meal this season.

But the food can’t come together without a dedicated team. Ardey says the size of the team varies every year — sometimes there are as many as six, sometimes just a few and sometimes just her.

The work extends beyond the kitchen, too, and Ardey hopes to eventually open a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

“I’m a resource if you need us and we have canned and dry goods that we give out in between those meals as well,” she said.

Guy said being able to provide a hot meal to people for another year is heartwarming.

“It’s a blessing to do this,” she said.

Savanna’s Soul Kitchen will be serving meals at Harmony House Cafe at 4227 Monroe St. on New Year’s Day from 2-4 p.m.