KILLEEN, Texas — There are many resources out there not widely known by people who probably need them the most. These resources include food, clothing, toiletries and even someone to talk to. In Killeen, Florence Flores – more commonly known throughout her community as 'Mama Flo' – created a ministry that promises to be that all-encompassing resource for anyone in need. That ministry is called Mama Flo’s Cafe, and it is located at 815 North 8th Street in Killeen.
“What we do is we serve the unhoused...or less fortunate,” Flores said. “Our ministry is ‘food brings us together’ so it's about love and about relationship. That’s what I want to be set apart from everyone else.”
Every Sunday Mama Flo’s Cafe hosts a fellowship followed by a hot meal. Although everyone is invited to join in fellowship, it is not required to get the meal; people are welcome to just visit after fellowship around 1:30p just for the food.
“I’ve always wanted to be able to feed people all my life. That’s been my dream,” Flores said.
The meals are usually made by Flores herself. She tells 6 News that feeding people has always been costly, but it can especially be felt during these times of economic hardship. To combat this, Flores spends her free time volunteering at local food pantries like Temple Christian Outreach, whenever she can. Volunteers at pantries are typically allowed to take some food for themselves and that is exactly what Flores does. The food collected at the pantries is later used for her Sunday hot meals.
Flores has been able to feed many mouths thanks to food pantries. She told 6 News that she’s come across some people who feel like what local food pantries have to offer, isn’t worth the trip. To that she says “you must have never been hungry because it is worth it. Getting a bag of chicken and a bag of rice – you know how many mouths you can feed with that?”
Flores has been serving the community of Killeen for 11 years through various ministries and various locations from buildings to H-E-B parking lots and even her own kitchen. She would cook for her grandkids and use the leftovers to make plates for others in need.
Life has not always been kind to Flores. She was raised in an abusive home, became a single mother to three kids and had more recently beat cancer – twice. Now, she is living with lymphedema and neuropathy in her leg, causing her to fall frequently and making it difficult to walk on her own.
“I never thought life after cancer was going to be difficult too,” Flores said. “There are a lot of things you don’t get back as far as your senses, but I am grateful. At least I’m able to feel.”
Unwilling to fall victim to her past and let it define her, Flores puts on a smile and is determined to continue helping others as best she can.
“It’s not a job for me. It’s a desire in my heart,” Flores said. “I desire to serve God’s people. I desire to love on God’s people.”
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Flores is always looking for donations. In a Facebook post she wrote:
How many have things in their pantry they don't eat. Wouldn't you like to bless someone before it got bad or expired?
The post continued by mentioning several items the ministry is looking for.
Body wash for men and women, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, laundry soap, dish soap, toilet paper, a case of water is a tremendous blessing*, ground beef, crackers-saltines, ketchup, onions, bell Peppers, eggs, mashed potatoes, corn, butter, fruit- bananas or cuties. Thank you in advance! I am grateful!!
To help Mama Flo’s Cafe, you can drop off items to the ministry directly at 815 North A Street in Killeen, donate monetarily via CASHAPP: $MAMAFLO, or donate to the online fund created.
Watch Texas Today volunteer at Temple Christian Outreach below!
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