Red Beans and Ricely Yours is an Austin-based initiative founded by local couple Maris Clegg and Chris Cubas, that provides Southern-cuisine-inspired meals to those in need. Every Tuesday on their social media pages, Red Beans activates an anonymous signup sheet for anyone whose life could be made a little easier by a free delicious meal. Every Sunday, home-cooked meals are delivered to doorsteps all over Austin. There is no criteria to request a meal, and anyone is encouraged to sign up if one unplanned meal would bring them relief. All meals are prepared with safety in mind and come with a side of cornbread, a baked dessert, and a beverage.
Red Beans and Ricely Yours is a community-driven effort that relies on volunteer bakers and delivery drivers, and accepts donations that go toward meal ingredients and supplies. To learn more about Red Beans and Ricely Yours, the meals, or how to get involved, please visit their website at redbeansaustin.com. Shock the Vote asked Chris and Maris a series of Shocking questions and this is what they had to say:
What does your organization do?
Red Beans and Ricely Yours, Austin delivers free Southern-inspired home-cooked meals to Austinites who request one. No questions asked. We have a signup sheet available on Tuesday and deliver every Sunday afternoon.
Why do you love Austin?
One of the many reasons we love this city is the immediate outpouring of support and volunteers we have received, which demonstrates this community's desire and commitment to helping its neighbors. The Austin we know comes together in times of need. We also love Austin for its creative community. There is so much talent, drive, and DIY spirit, from musicians to comics, to filmmakers and illustrators. Also, and this is important, the food is real good.
Why do you vote?
The powers that be make it harder each year for people to exercise their right to vote. If they are working this hard to make sure you can’t vote, then it has to be important! We vote to demand our voices are heard and we rally behind progressive candidates and policy to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected and land is preserved for future generations.
Who is your favorite Austin entertainment group?
So many! Vanessa Gonzalez, Jackie Venson, Blackillac. This town is full of so much talent, we could go on all day. Here’s a great resource for Austin Black artists, and that is just the beginning.
Who is your favorite Austin business or restaurant?
Where do we start? Though not a business, we miss afternoon dates at the downtown Austin Public Library. Patrizi’s has been a favorite for so many years now, as we spent time on the patio of Butterfly Bar, and we love that they created a meal kitchen at the beginning of the pandemic in their new spot, Vic & Al’s. To-go Gumbo and cocktails has become a regular Sunday night routine. We also love Eldorado Cafe for their old Austin feel and fantastic enchiladas, salsas, and sides (Maris thinks it is important to mention the goat cheese stuffed mashed potato cakes).
Who is your favorite nonprofit organization in Austin?
We love what our friend Jazz Mills is doing over at Free Lunch ATX. She and her partners have been doing tremendous work providing free nutritious meals for our unhoused neighbors. It's really inspiring to see how much they've grown and how many people they are able to serve. She is building relationships with individuals in need, and responding accordingly in a really human way, and all from her home base.
What is your favorite Halloween treat?
Maris says candy corn, which is obviously wrong. The correct answer is the pumpkin shaped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Much like the best Christmas treat is the Christmas tree shaped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and the best Easter treat is the Easter egg shaped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. We are not sponsored by Reese's.
—Bailey Moore, Shock the Vote ATX Staff Writer
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