VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Food and fellowship are a church’s bread and butter, especially on Thanksgiving Day.
The holiday is meant to give thanks and gather with friends and family, but there are a lot of people who don't have the resources to get a warm plate.
It's why several groups spent their days and nights giving free food to a community they said deserves a little bit of love.
"We are hoping to serve 1,000 people today," said Janeen McBath, co-pastor at Calvary Revival Church.
McBath said their giveaway is called "Feed the City" and it has remained a Thanksgiving tradition for more than 20 years.
The church had a total of three different locations for people to come and grab a hot plate. Once there, people could also walk away with some essential every day items.
"There's clothing, shoes, food; they get to take everything home and the great thing about today is we get to do a brunch even before they get to take their meals home today," said McBath.
Just a few miles down the road in Virginia Beach, another organization had tables filled with people ready to get a meal.
Todd Walker with Judeo-Christian Outreach Center said they welcomed 100 to 200 people with a fresh plate.
"It's kind of our way showing them love and we like to say food is love - this is an expression of our love to them," said Walker.
State Sen. Bill DeSteph offered homemade apple pies for those who came to take home with them, too.
According to the volunteers, it's all meant to bring cheer to some who may not have a Thanksgiving table to go to.
"Today is a day for us to get together with family and friends, spread hope, spread cheer and love and laughter," one volunteer said.