COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Since March, a tradition has been growing in Cookeville to feed the hungry.

"Come here, bacon grease!" said Philip Pharris, the man with the spatula, standing over a griddle. "That's the reason I love cooking meat. It smells so delicious."

A crowd of people stood in line outside a church, waiting for a plate of bacon, sausage, eggs, and pancakes.

Pharris has worked in kitchens all over Cookeville. On Saturday morning, he was part of a crew of all ages.

"A 12-year-old, a 36-year-old, if he's actually 36," Pharris said, looking at the people working alongside him.

"He's older than 36!" a voice shouted.

This was The Giving Griddle.

It started with Stacey Trent, a deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Cookeville. The church has long had a Blessing Box of food

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