“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me”
— Matthew 25:35
People serving themselves food from a buffet table at a gathering.

About Judy’s Kitchen

Judy’s Kitchen is a volunteer-led ministry of Community Congregational UCC in Los Alamitos, offering warm meals and welcoming hospitality to anyone in need. Inspired by the spirit of compassion and justice, our kitchen serves as a space where no one eats alone and all are treated with dignity.

Named in honor of longtime church member Judy who had a heart for feeding others, this outreach program is grounded in our belief that sharing a meal is an act of love and community.

  • When We Serve

    We serve meals on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. Guests are welcome - no ID, registration required.

    Food trays with vegetables like broccoli, corn, carrots, and squash at a buffet or cafeteria.

  • How You Can Help

    Volunteer: From cooking to serving, cleanup to conversation, there are many ways to get involved.
    Donate: We welcome financial contributions or supplies (e.g., food items, utensils, containers).
    Spread the Word: Help us let the community know that Judy’s Kitchen is here.

    Group of women in a kitchen, some holding tools, smiling, with a baking tray in the center.

  • More Than a Meal

    At Judy’s Kitchen, we believe food is only the beginning. Through conversation, care, and consistency, we aim to build relationships and affirm the humanity of every person who walks through our doors.

    A girl wearing a face mask and gray sweater is receiving a bowl of soup from a person with a tan sleeve. Two volunteers in masks and aprons are serving in the background.

Sample - Turkey Dinner Donation List
(for 300 people)

Assorted prepared meals in aluminum containers on black surface, including salads, chicken, pasta, and vegetable dishes.

Main Couse

  • Whole Turkeys: 18–20 turkeys (12–14 lbs each)
    (Estimate: 1 turkey feeds 12–15 people)

  • Stuffing Mix: 45–50 lbs (dry mix) or 30 commercial-size pans

  • Gravy: 12–15 gallons (bulk or make from drippings + stock)

  • Cranberry Sauce: 25–30 quarts (or ~100 standard 14 oz cans)

Sides

  • Mashed Potatoes: 300–350 lbs of fresh potatoes or ~25 #10 cans of instant mashed potatoes

  • Butter/Margarine: 20–25 lbs (for potatoes, stuffing, and rolls)

  • Milk or Cream: 5–6 gallons (for mashed potatoes)

  • Green Beans or Corn: 25–30 #10 cans (each #10 can serves ~10–12 people)

  • Dinner Rolls: 300–350 rolls (1 per person + extra)

Dessert

  • Pumpkin or Apple Pies: 40–50 pies (1 pie serves 6–8 people)

  • Whipped Cream: 15–20 cans or 2–3 gallons (if using bulk)

Beverages

  • Coffee: 3–5 lbs ground coffee + 5 gallons creamer + sugar

  • Water or Punch: 15–20 gallons total

Paper Goods & Serving Supplies

  • Cups: 350 (for both hot and cold beverages)

  • Serving trays & pans: As needed (for buffet or packaging)

  • Gloves, foil, cling wrap, to-go containers (if packaging meals)

“If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.”

—Isaiah 58:10