PLANO, TX (November 21, 2025) — Minnie’s Food Pantry is proud to announce its 18th Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway, taking place Saturday, November 22nd at Red Tail Pavilion in Plano, Texas. This year, Minnie’s Food Pantry will be joined by social media personality and food critic, Keith Lee. The event is one of the most highly anticipated in the organization’s history, as North Texas families continue to feel the lingering effects of the recent government shutdown and the temporary halt in SNAP benefits, with over 4,200 families registered to receive a turkey and complete holiday meal. Although benefits have now been restored, many households are still working to recover—making this year’s giveaway more critical than ever.
“As we approach Minnie’s 18th Thanksgiving Giveaway, I’m reminded that this event isn’t just about a meal—it’s about a lifeline for thousands of families who rely on Minnie’s to keep food on their tables during a season that can be hardest for so many. Every box we prepare represents a community that shows up with courage, resilience, and hope. The generosity of volunteers, partners, and supporters turns fear into faith and scarcity into possibility. This giveaway is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together with compassion and a shared sense of responsibility for one another. We are grateful to serve, and more determined than ever to ensure that no family faces Thanksgiving—or any day—without access to nourishing food.” Dr. Cheryl “Action” Jackson, Founder, Minnie’s Food Pantry.
We are so extremely grateful for the 818 volunteers that came together over the last two weeks to help prepare for this event and to the generous sponsors whose partnership makes this event possible: USAA, 7-Eleven, Dallas Stars, Cawley Partners, H-E-B, Barcel USA, City of Plano, Malin, and Cigna.
Additionally, several local partners have stepped up to celebrate the holidays at Minnie’s Thanksgiving Giveaway:
- Emerald City Band will deliver an electrifying LIVE performance to uplift families and volunteers throughout the celebration.
- Dillas Quesadillas and Dunkin’ Donuts will be providing food, drinks and treats to fuel the hundreds of volunteers serving on-site.
- Flex Etc. generously donated storage space, which has been essential in preparing and organizing thousands of meals leading up to the event.
Minnie’s Food Pantry is excited to welcome prominent food critic and social media personality, Keith Lee, who will be attending the event and supporting the distribution efforts to further amplify the impact of the 18th Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway. In addition to collaborating with numerous brands to support the event, Keith has donated $12,000 worth of turkeys as a part of his “A Familee That SNAPS Back” challenge, a nationwide effort he created to support families facing food insecurity and to inspire community-led giving. His commitment to giving back ensures that even more households receive the nourishment and hope they deserve during the holiday season.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Location: Red Tail Pavilion at Oak Point Park, Plano, TX
Time: 6:30AM: 7AM: Volunteer Breakfast & Check-In
7AM-7:30AM: Volunteer Orientation
7:30AM-10AM: Distribution Giveaway
*Registration is now closed as Minnie’s prepares for the 4,200+ families signed up!**
ABOUT KEITH LEE:
Keith Lee is, at his core, a man of the people. Rising from humble beginnings, Keith first gained recognition by sharing heartfelt, honest reviews of family-owned restaurants on TikTok, not as an influencer chasing trends, but as a genuine advocate for everyday businesses. His ability to connect deeply with his audience has changed countless lives, bringing national attention and financial uplift to small establishments that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Keith’s impact has been widely recognized. In 2025, he was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Creators, a distinction that highlights his cultural impact and commitment to authenticity. He is also a proud member of the Forbes 30 Under 30, celebrated for using his platform to spark real-world change. Beyond the accolades, Keith remains grounded in his mission: to be a vessel of God, to give back, and to uplift communities through kindness, faith, and service.
As he continues his journey, Keith Lee stands as a powerful reminder that purpose, humility, and love for people can not only shape lives, they can move entire industries.
ABOUT MINNIE’S FOOD PANTRY:
Minnie’s Food Pantry (MFP) is a North Texas nonprofit organization dedicated to providing healthy meals, educational resources, and red-carpet service to individuals and families in need. For 18 years, Minnie’s has served with dignity, compassion, and love—empowering communities one meal at a time.
Founded on April 1, 2008, by Dr. Cheryl “Action” Jackson, in honor of her mother, Pastor Minnie Hawthorne-Ewing, Minnie’s Food Pantry has since provided over 33 million meals to families living in low income/food insecure households. As an award-winning non-profit organization and one of the largest food pantries in Collin County, Minnie’s Food Pantry has brought light to the issue of food insecurity on both a local and national platform, having been recognized as the leading food pantry in North Texas and the #1 Charity in DFW for eight consecutive years.
Additional information about Minnie’s Food Pantry can be found by visiting www.MinniesFoodPantry.org, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MinniesFoodPantry and on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/MinniesPantry.
For more program and sponsorship information, please email info@minniesfoodpantry.org