Ukiah… Amid trays of turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and a variety of other fixings were over 200 Mendocino College Students who received a free holiday meal on Tuesday, December 09, 2014 at Mendocino College.

Ketmani Kouanchao, Dean of Student Services at Mendocino College, put out a plea to the Associated Students of Mendocino College (ASMC) and staff to offer a free holiday meal to students.  “Many of our students struggle with having enough food to eat along with transportation to and from college.  We are in the early discussion stages of creating a food pantry and felt that a holiday meal would be well received amongst our students and a natural first step to creating a permanent system towards providing non-perishable foods for our students,” stated Kouanchao.

The ASMC provided the mashed potatoes and funding for all the turkey, which was graciously prepared by Stan’s Maple Café.  The Women’s Basketball Team brought homemade cupcakes and the Management/ Supervisory/Confidential Staff donated pumpkin pies, whipped cream, green beans and rolls. Individual staff brought a variety of other items, creating a very festive holiday lunch.

While flyers and signs were posted around campus, most students were reminded about the lunch through word of mouth by their peers.  Students in attendance were extremely grateful and thanked many of the volunteers for the meal. 

Students could be heard laughing, eating and just enjoying each other’s company.   Mendocino College Student Melissa Iovino said she loved attending the event because it brought everyone together and made her feel like she was part of a family.  Melissa and fellow classmates Justine, Rosalyn and Jasmin all concurred that they feel supported and are inspired to succeed at Mendocino College.