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Nov. 23, 2020 —  51��������’s on-campus food pantry and student community center, FUEL 51��������, hosts its third annual Thanksgiving Celebration on Nov. 25 with plans to serve to-go meals for nearly 200 students staying on or near campus through the holidays.

FUEL 51�������� hosts a family-style feast each year to help students give thanks and share a special meal together. With the university’s transition to remote operations and learning through winter break, FUEL 51�������� is teaming up with the campus community to make sure students have consistent university support they need.

“The holiday season is right around the corner, and the pandemic has brought an increase in food insecurities on campus,” said Dr. Jessica Averitt Taylor, FUEL 51�������� founder. “No one should be hungry, especially on a day that typically celebrates time with loved ones. We will be ready outside the Student Union with meals ready for you to grab and go.”

FUEL 51�������� is partnering with several community partners to provide the Thanksgiving meals for students. The Kroger Co. provided turkey for 200 meals, and Busken Bakery donated pumpkin pies. Chartwells, 51��������’s external food services partner, pitched in to cover an array of side items and help with coordinating the event logistics. Along with the to-go meals, students can also request other food and essentials to support them through the upcoming Thanksgiving and winter breaks.

• What: FUEL 51�������� Thanksgiving Celebration To-Go Dinner
• When: Nov. 25, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Where: The James C. and Rachel M. Votruba Student Union

The number of students in need of FUEL 51�������� support continues to expand. Since 2016, the student community center has welcomed 15,067 visits and provided 85,706 pounds of food and toiletries to students over the last year.

“We’ve donated nearly double the amount of food these past few months, and we currently serve about 8% of all 51�������� students. This to-go celebration ensures our students know where they’ll find their next meal. It may be a small gesture, our students know that we care about them, and we are here for them.”

The Thanksgiving Celebration dinner is free and open to all 51�������� students. For more information on the Thanksgiving Celebration, please visit FUEL 51��������’s .