Collin County, the third-wealthiest county in Texas, paradoxically faces a stark reality: 15 percent of its residents live below the poverty line.
Food insecurity profoundly affects the well-being of families. According to Community Garden Kitchen (CGK), without proper nutrition, children struggle to keep up academically, often falling behind their healthier peers and requiring additional support. Women are also at greater risk, facing higher rates of depression and mental health challenges.
Amidst these challenges, CGK was born—a ray of hope inspired by Angela Poen, its president and executive director. “In 2014, during a Bible study at my kitchen table with friends, we envisioned a kitchen to serve meals to anyone in need—no questions, no paperwork required,” she recalls.
In June 2022, CGK opened its doors as a people-focused facility dedicated to nourishing both body and soul. Central to its mission is the Globe Life Garden, a quarter-acre oasis where fresh fruits and vegetables are cultivated to supply ingredients for meals prepared in the CGK kitchen. A vast array of flowers are also grown to decorate each table in the dining hall.
Since its opening, the organization has made a significant impact in Collin County, providing over 109,000 meals to people in need. Through its food redistribution program, more than 104 tons of food have been delivered to local pantries and charities contributing to decreasing hunger in our neighborhoods. The Sack Lunch program has distributed over 10,000 meals to day laborers, homeless individuals, and people in need of help.
CGK partners with local food pantries such as Community Food Pantry, Grace Place, Grateful Gratitude, and Allen Ministerial Alliance, working collectively to combat food insecurity. In 2025, the organization expanded its outreach by launching an eight-week paid culinary internship for youth aging out of foster care. This program not only provides practical culinary skills but also includes job placement assistance, offering young adults a great opportunity to build brighter futures.
What’s strikingly different about CGK is that no IDs or paperwork are needed to enjoy a warm, nutritious meal. Known as “Angela’s Table,” this space resembles a cozy restaurant, complete with a full-time chef and part-time kitchen assistant and director of operations.
“Our 180 weekly volunteers are the heart and soul of our operation, delivering kindness and comfort to people facing hardship, creating a welcoming dining experience, rooted in dignity,” states Angela. The kitchen opens its doors Monday through Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., offering a place where people from all walks of life can come together to dine. Visitors, whether residents of Collin County or not, can enjoy a hearty meal here.
What truly makes this place special is its steadfast focus on nourishing the body. Every meal is prepared with precision and care, blending flavors and ingredients that are not only delicious but also promote healing. With these efforts, there is hope that no one in Collin County will go to bed hungry.
Want to get involved? There are many ways to do so: donations, volunteering, or participating in a variety of events like the upcoming golf tournament, bingo night, or gardening workshops. For more information visit www.communitygardenkitchen.org or email directors@communitygardenkitchen.org.