By Gabrielle Terrett

The Vicksburg Post

Alex Tworty believes in giving back to the community that has supported him over the years. That’s why, once again, the owner of Fastway gas station, located on the corner of Clay and Cherry streets, gave away free plates of food to the community.

It’s become a Thanksgiving tradition for Fastway to hand out free lunch the week of Thanksgiving.

“This is the seventh year we’ve done it,” Tworty said. “We appreciate our customers and you just always have to give back and we love to help the community.”

The menu for the dinners that were given out Tuesday followed along with the guidelines of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner — turkey, ham, dressing, mac and cheese, and potato salad.

Plenty of patrons came out to enjoy the fellowship and free food.

Tworty said Fastway fed approximately 350 people the first year. That number has tripled over the years.

“Last year, we almost did 950 plates,” Tworty said. “Every year we increase.”

It’s an event that Tworty is happy to do as a means to thank those in the community, as well as make sure people get the chance to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

“I’m always happy when I see more customers come and get a plate,” said Tworty.