Northern Kentucky University’s FUEL NKU will be hosting its second annual Thanksgiving Celebration. The on-campus food pantry invites students who are staying at NKU during the holiday for a community dinner on Nov. 27.
Since 2013, FUEL NKU has provided food and essentials to students in a compassionate, confidential and safe environment, and this remains true even when the university is closed for holidays. Recognizing that students need consistent university support, Dr. Jessica Averitt Taylor, the founder of FUEL NKU, created the event last year to help students give thanks and share a special meal together.
“The ability to host an event like this shows the commitment to supporting NKU and our students. We want everyone to feel welcomed, and we believe that a sense of community is absolutely crucial to our wellbeing as individuals and as a campus,” said Dr. Taylor.
With nearly 200 students expected to attend the Thanksgiving Celebration, community partners are joining FUEL NKU to host the feast on NKU’s campus. The Kroger Co. will contribute turkey for 400 guests, Waffle House is providing a full waffle bar, and Busken Bakery will donate pumpkin pies.
Chartwells, NKU’s external food services partner, pitched in to cover an array of side-items and necessary table-setting items like side dishes, tableware, and drinks. And new this year, guests will enjoy live music, seasonal crafts, and even a photo booth.
“We partnered with the campus clothing closet initiative so that our students can enjoy a meal and shop for free clothing — all at one event,” said Dr. Taylor. “Each of these elements helps bring our campus and community together in a unique way.“
FUEL NKU’s wholistic student support has also earned the university a 2019 CLIMB Award by the Cincinnati Business Courier and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. NKU was recognized for supporting success by reducing hunger and poor academic performance through FUEL NKU, which also increased persistence rates for students using the resource.
What: FUEL NKU’s Thanksgiving Celebration Dinner
When: Nov. 27, 4-8 p.m.
Where: The James C. and Rachel M. Votruba Student Union Ballroom
The Thanksgiving Celebration dinner is open to all NKU students. There is no cost to attend the event, but students are encouraged to bring a non-perishable item to donate to FUEL NKU.
