Friends Taking Care of Friends began during the government shutdown in 2025 and will provide free meals to anyone needing them this Friday, Oct. 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bush House, located at 198 Wilson St. in Crestview.
Founder Katrina Raines says they typically hand out more than 100 meals the third week of each month, but she believes that following the hurricane, demand will be higher. “Last month, for the first 30 minutes, we passed out 125 dinners. Even without the hurricane, people in Crestview are struggling for meals.”
She says that right now, the group currently has enough supplies to provide between 250 and 300 meals, but she is looking for donations to help provide extra meals.
Raines says that anyone can request a meal, regardless of their circumstances or income. She says that they have a drive-through-style operation and when families come, they can request as many meals as they need. “If they need five, they need 20, we pass them to them, and no questions asked.”
She says that funding is out of her and her friends’ pockets, so any donations are greatly accepted, although she prefers food donations instead of money. “This is all just me, my friends and people in the community, all out of our pocket doing this.”
The group is looking for donations of food, chips and other supplies, but canned goods are also welcome.
Raines adds that they also hand those out when families request them and they are available.
Volunteers are also needed this Friday. If you are interested in volunteering, you are asked to meet at the Bush House at 5:30 p.m. You can also find out more on the Friends Taking Care of Friends Facebook page
