Founder receives Community Impact Award
McKinney, Texas -- The 2024 Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) Community Impact Award was presented to Angela Poen, founder and president of Community Garden Kitchen (CGK) on July 15, at the annual Lone Star Bash in San Antonio, Texas. According to the TRA, this award is presented to a member of the TRA who has demonstrated a legacy of uniting and empowering their community.
Poen accepted the award on behalf of all the incredible volunteers, staff, board members and donors who
contributed time, talent and treasure to build, and now operate, a free-meal restaurant in Collin county.
“We hope to introduce our model to anyone who is considering opening a facility, wanting to address the
increasing hunger situation in the country. Our guests have a true restaurant experience and dine with
dignity,” Poen explained.
Guest who visit Community Garden Kitchen are welcomed by greeters and escorted to individual tables
where a server takes their order. There is no standing in line, paperwork or ID required. Freshly prepared meals, that are both healthy and delicious, are prepared by volunteers under the supervision of a professional chef and served in a dining hall that serves up to 120 guests.
In CGK’s first 24 months of operation, more than 60,000 meals were served. In addition to serving meals, CGK has donated over 58 tons of food to area food pantries. On average, 180 volunteers sign up each week to do food intake, prepare and serve meals, work in an on-site garden and do a variety of other essential tasks.
Poen added, “Volunteers are the heart and soul of Community Garden Kitchen. Without their compassion,
dedication and kindness, we could not operate. I’m overwhelmed by these wonderful people who make it happen,” says Poen. “This award from the TRA is a great honor and I’m extremely grateful that this effort is being recognized by such a prestigious association.”
To learn more about Community Garden Kitchen, please visit their website: www.communitygardenkitchen.org or email: www.directors@communitygardenkitchen.org