Many people have asked why I feel so deeply inspired to support No Kid Hungry. My answer always goes back to something my mother told us when we were growing up: “We might not have a lot of money, but I promise there will always be food on the table.” Those words stayed with me. My mom often worked two or three jobs to care for my brother, my sister, and me, but she made sure we never had to wonder where our next meal would come from.
When I was a teenager, my mom became the owner of our family grocery store, Soza’s Grocery. I worked there after school while I was in high school, and I noticed how often children came in to buy soda and junk food with food stamps, now known as SNAP benefits. Even then, I wondered whether those kids had regular access to nourishing meals at home. That experience shaped the way I think about childhood hunger, family, food, and community.
These beautiful cookies featuring the No Kid Hungry logo were made by Holly of abakershouse.com.
Now that I am a mother, I wish I could ensure that every child has access to healthy food and the opportunity to learn where food comes from. It is heartbreaking to know that millions of children in the United States struggle with hunger. For me, supporting No Kid Hungry is one way to help raise awareness and bring people together around a cause that matters.
As many of you know, I love hosting a tamalada every year. This time, I decided to make the tradition even more meaningful by hosting a Friendsgiving Tamalada for No Kid Hungry.
I cannot think of a better way to welcome the holiday season than gathering family and friends around a table filled with tamales while supporting a wonderful cause. A tamalada is already about connection, tradition, and teamwork, so it felt like the perfect setting for a Friendsgiving fundraiser.
Childhood hunger is difficult to think about, especially in a country with so many resources. Knowing that so many children face food insecurity every day makes this mission feel personal and urgent.
Did you see the Facebook live video?
My mom was in town for the event, and she helped me so much. I truly could not have pulled everything together without her support, encouragement, and love.
I also could not have hosted this special Friendsgiving Tamalada without my dear friend Karen, who generously opened her beautiful home for the celebration. You may recognize her gorgeous kitchen from the Bake it Forward video for No Kid Hungry.
Every guest who attended contributed by donating to my online fundraiser or by placing cash on our money tree. We decorated a white decorative tree with photos of children as a reminder of why we were gathering. As guests made donations, they hung a tamal ornament on the tree. At the end of the fiesta, everyone took home an ornament as a meaningful party favor.
We provided the masa para tamales and prepared plenty of red chile and pork tamales. Guests joined in by bringing homemade fillings, side dishes, and other foods to share. That is what makes a tamalada so special: everyone contributes, everyone participates, and everyone leaves with memories.
My crafting partner, Kirsten of Thrifty Rehab, helped behind the scenes by creating thoughtful giveaway prizes, including cookie mix in jars and homemade milk bath jars.
Each year, I host an apron contest, and this year we added raffle prizes and party favors for every guest. The children had a wonderful time helping choose random winners, which made the celebration feel even more joyful and family-friendly.
Here are the lovely top five finalists from the apron contest.
I would also like to thank the sponsors who donated to the event: Farberware, Exotico Tequila, Melissa’s Produce, and Knorr. Their support helped make this Friendsgiving Tamalada even more memorable.
We served Mexican hot chocolate for the kids and poinsettia punch for the adults, adding warm and festive flavors to the gathering.
I feel truly blessed to have shared this special day with such dear friends and family. The laughter, food, generosity, and teamwork reminded me why traditions like this matter so much.
I would like to thank my videographer, Chris of Pure Cinematography, who filmed the Facebook live video, and Jenna of Jenna Sparks Photography, who generously donated her time and captured all of these beautiful photos.
Most importantly, I want to thank everyone who donated to my fundraiser. I am grateful to have a platform that allows me to educate, encourage, and inspire others to support meaningful causes. I hope this Friendsgiving Tamalada inspires you to gather your own friends and family, share a meal, celebrate tradition, and give back in a way that feels close to your heart.
Sign up to host your very own Friendsgiving: friendsgiving.nokidhungry.org
