Celia Roberts fidgeted with her fingers as she surveyed her work, scanning every dish to make sure it was perfect. Sautéed turkey wings with gravy. Homemade macaroni and cheese. Collard greens with kale mixed in, along with smoked turkey and neck bones. Cornbread. For dessert, 7 Up cake. The vegetable oil was on and popping in the kitchen, ready for the drumsticks. She wanted to serve the deep-fried chicken fresh.



She was so proud of herself, she pulled out her phone and took a video of it all.



“Man, I did a good job,” she said. “The secret ingredient for me is the love I put into it. I don’t ever want to rush nobody’s food. I want them to know they are loved.”



She had gotten up that morning, on a Sunday, and was at Foods Co. shortly after it opened at 6 a.m. to shop for the meal. She got home and immediately started preparing and cooking. She spent all day, giving her attention to every dish. To see...