AUSTIN, Texas — Phyllis Everette used to be hungry.

"When we’re talking about generational poverty, we’re talking about housing instability, food insecurity, educational issues," she said. "All those things affected me."

Poverty persisted beyond her youth. Everette was later in an abusive relationship. She sought refuge at a women's shelter.

“In my first marriage I was battered," she said. "And that sisterhood that was put together at that point is really what allowed me to become strong, and create vision, and create a different outcome for me and my three children.” 

She's using her strength now to feed women in need. Every day, healthful meals are given away to men and women at Saffron Trust locations in Austin and Pflugerville. The free food comes from The Cook's Nook, which has a contract with Travis County to prepare healthful meals for various organizations. The program is called Keep Austin Together.

“Some sort of prepared meal structure could be around for a while, especially with the numbers that exist of food insecurity in Travis County," said Joi Chevalier, the founder and CEO of The Cook's Nook.

At least 18% of adults in Travis County are food insecure, according to Chevalier. She believes that number is higher now due to the pandemic.

"Child food insecurity in Travis County is almost about 24%," she said. "So these are already numbers that are just pretty much untenable. And then think about what's been exacerbated by COVID-19."

The contract between The Cook's Nook and Travis County, which was signed at the beginning of the pandemic, has been extended until March 2022. The Cook's Nook is distributing 10,000 meals a week to various nonprofits. Those nonprofits can then distribute the meals to the people they serve, for free.

"We know that when a household has a more stable supply of food, other things begin to change around it," Chevalier said.

Saffron Trust distributes about 3,000 prepared meals every month. Everette said 60% of the people Saffron Trust serves are unemployed with three or four children.

"All of the women that come are in need," she said. "People don't take time out of their busy day to come get a meal because it's free. They come get a meal because they need it."

That's partly why there's been an increase in need for meals this holiday season. 

“Parents are rising to the occasion and sacrificing literally everything to make sure that their children have a wonderful Christmas, and when they’re doing that, there’s more food insecurity occurring because people are shifting around their budget,” she said. 

Linda Henderson picks up 12 to 16 meals from Saffron Trust every day. She feeds her grandchildren and elderly neighbors who can't drive.

“This whole set up for giving back to the community like this is a blessing, a big blessing,” she said.

Everette also brings meals to people in need, even though Saffron Trust isn't a delivery service. 

“Sometimes transportation is an issue. Elderly people just can’t get out. People are suffering from COVID-19,” she said. 

Everette understands what it feels like to need food. That's why she does everything she can to make sure other people don't feel that way.

"To give back to women, every single day, feels like I was born to do it," Everette said. "I am one of the women, so it's not like a handout. It's a hand up."

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This article originally indicated the contract between Travis County and The Cook's Nook had been extended until March 2023. This has been corrected. (Jan 3. 2022)