For Immediate Release: Kelly’s Kitchen Partners with The Utopian Seed Project to Bring Thanksgiving to Leicester, NC Families

Kelly’s Kitchen is proud to announce its partnership with The Utopian Seed Project to ensure families in the Leicester, North Carolina community can enjoy a warm, locally sourced Thanksgiving meal this holiday season.

Through this collaboration, Kelly’s Kitchen aims to provide funding for 25 free Thanksgiving Meal Boxes filled with fresh produce and pantry items from over five local farms and makers in Western North Carolina, as well as support a meal delivery system for individuals with mobility challenges due to disability or age.

"At Kelly’s Kitchen, we believe in nourishing community members while also playing a positive role in the local food system by supporting local farmers and makers," said Rachel Kaplan, Operations Director at Kelly’s Kitchen. "This initiative is about bringing people together over a delicious meal, while also supporting local farmers, chefs, and artisans who make their community thrive."

Each Thanksgiving Meal Box will feature six servings of a pre-cooked gourmet meal created by Chef Bailey, Chef Terrell, and their talented team, using locally sourced ingredients.

The menu is set to include:

• Candy Roaster Squash Bisque with Roasted Almonds and Parsley

• Smoked Turkey with Peppered Brown Gravy

• Aged Cheddar Whipped Yukon Potatoes

• Green Bean Casserole with Roasted Mushroom Cream Sauce and Crunchy Onions

• Roasted & Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecan/Oat Streusel Topping

• Yeast Rolls

• Pumpkin Maple Pie

The meals will be distributed on Wednesday, November 27th, at the Leicester Community Center.

Reheating instructions will be included to ensure accessibility for all recipients.

In addition to covering the cost of the meal boxes, Kelly’s Kitchen is funding a delivery system for individuals with disabilities and members of the aging population, ensuring that everyone has access to these nourishing meals.

"Our goal is to not only provide a meal but also address the challenges of limited transportation options in our rural, dispersed community, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal regardless of mobility or access to reliable transportation." said Rachel Kaplan. "We’re thrilled to support Chef Terrell, Chef Bailey and their team, especially in light of recent challenges faced by local food system members due to Hurricane Helene. This initiative allows us to invest in a community that needs support and uplift those who need it most."

Together with The Utopian Seed Project, Kelly’s Kitchen is committed to building a more inclusive, resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to access fresh, local produce and warm meals, especially during the holidays.