November 27, 2025 All News

UD Dining Services Staff Volunteer to Cook Over 1,000 Free Community Thanksgiving Meals

By Stacey Ortman

DUBUQUE, Iowa - They arrived at the University of Dubuque's Barbara and Jack Smeltzer Dining Hall in the early morning hours on Thanksgiving to cook over 1,000 meals for people they may never meet.

Around 10 UD Dining Services staff members volunteered some their holiday to prepare food for the Free Community Thanksgiving Meal organized by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and its partners. They were among the hundreds of volunteers from local nonprofits, businesses, colleges, and churches who joined together to provide free meals for anyone in the Dubuque community who needed a place at the table, a warm meal, and fellowship on Thanksgiving.

Meals will be served at seven sit-down locations and delivered to homebound neighbors.

"I'm very proud of my staff. They are not only dedicated to our Spartan family but also to the City of Dubuque as well," said Tabatha Kircher, food service director with UD Dining Services.

Preparations for the Thanksgiving fixings began Wednesday, November 26, 2025, as UD Dining Services staff prepped food. They returned on Thursday, November 27, 2025, to make turkey and stuffing, green bean casserole, Italian pasta salad, and mashed potatoes. There was also gravy and 126 premade cherry, pumpkin, and apple pies donated by UD Dining Services and Elior Collegiate Dining.

Erika Howard, a morning shift cook with UD Dining Services, said she was grateful for the opportunity to prep food for those in need - something she has wanted to do in the future.

In addition to cooking the free meals, UD Dining Services staff also helped package individual meals for homebound neighbors and UD students who remained in the area over the holiday.

"There's so many people in need. What's a few hours of my time for a couple of days," said Adam Klein, a food service supervisor with UD Dining Services.

It was the second year Thanksgiving staples were prepared on UD's campus for the Free Community Thanksgiving Meal, which launched last year.

"There are people who are less fortunate and shouldn't have to go without because they can't afford to eat. That's where people like myself and my staff can step in to volunteer our time to help make meals happen for those who can't afford a meal," Kircher said. "For one day, they can go to a place and have complete strangers be their family and enjoy a nice cooked meal and give thanks for what is in front of them at that moment. That is the greatest feeling for me, making others happy. Even though it takes time away from my family, my children understand why I do this and are proud of what I do."