Bed-Stuy church feeds hundreds on Christmas
News 12's Katelynn Ulrich visited Free Gift Baptist Church, where they say food is love.
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For some in the Bed-Stuy community, Christmas is all about feeding as many people as possible.
News 12's Katelynn Ulrich visited Free Gift Baptist Church, where they say food is love.
From noon to 3 p.m., members of Free Gift Baptist Church in Bed-Stuy packed up all the fixings for a hearty Christmas meal.
"It's food for everybody. We don't say less fortunate. It's just meals for anyone on Christmas Day," said William R. Whitaker II, pastor bishop of Free Gift Baptist Church.
For decades, the church has worked to feed as many people as possible.
"Way over 100. Sometimes 200. It depends. We serve until there's nothing left," said Whitaker.
Many people return year after year.
"It's joyful. Some people don't have food. They bless us with food and gifts," said Marc Cohen, a visitor.
Smiles greet everyone who walks in, and the food is made with plenty of love.
"Fried chicken. We have turkey. We have collard greens. We have macaroni and cheese. Candied yams," said Benjamin Loadholt, head chef.
Loadholt believes food is love. "I always believed food is love, and we try to bring love to everyone," he said.
Here, spreading love brings holiday cheer to all.
