ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) -- The Community Justice Initiative gave out free meals to around 150 people Wednesday on the eve of Thanksgiving for its "Feed the Village" program. It also allowed members to educate the public on Black and Indigenous history. According to officials, The Rochester community is ranked in the top ten cities for poverty. The CJI 's program Wednesday aimed to address this issue by lending a helping hand at the Flint Recreation Center. Kucko’s Camera: Finger Lakes ‘Whoville’ "Sometimes, a lot of families in our community don't get to enjoy a sit-down hot meal. They don't get to enjoy communion with all of these beautiful youth behind me. So, we bring it to the community. During this time, a lot of people get depressed, a lot of people experience loss, we experience a lot of violence in our city and sometimes in particular in this area. So, it's imperative to shed some light around here," said organizer Niya Shabazz. The community gathered and enjoyed some delicious catered foods such as baked chicken, mac and cheese, vegetarian chili and of course for dessert, pies.