Campus Dining continues its tradition of preparing turkey and/or side dishes to three South Bend organizations hosting Thanksgiving meals.
Working out of the North Dining Hall and the Center for Culinary Excellence on campus, staff members will prepare meals for the Center for the Homeless and St. Margaret’s House Day Center for Women and Children. Both facilities are in South Bend. The meals include traditional favorites such as roasted turkey, baked ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans and pumpkin pie.
Meanwhile, Campus Dining staff working at Noble Family Dining Hall at Saint Mary’s College will prepare two side dishes for Hope Ministries in South Bend, preparing enough green beans with bacon and onions and sweet potatoes to feed 900 people.
“We are committed to this community,” said Chris Abayasinghe, senior director of Campus Dining. “When you think about the missions of St. Margaret’s House, the Center for the Homeless and Hope Ministries, these small acts of giving closely align with our social teachings. There are so many community partners that do this day in and day out. We are humbled to be a part of their Thanksgiving.”
Of course, this is not just any year.
“Due to the pandemic we will not be able to gather as we normally would in our dining room to be together but we are grateful to serve this meal to our community via carry out. With a very limited number of volunteers and a small staff it would have been very difficult for us to prepare a meal such as this for the women and children in our community. Thank you to all whose hands helped to prepare this meal. Your time and generosity are greatly appreciated,” said Mary Fran Brandenberger, associate executive director and director of volunteers, counseling and art programs at St. Margaret’s House.
Food insecurity is a continued challenge in the region, especially over the upcoming holidays. There are multiple local organizations that help provide food or meals, beyond these three organizations. If you need help with food, housing or utilities, call Indiana 2-1-1, a service that connects Hoosiers with human services and resources in their local communities.