Among tables full of trays of turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, dressing and a variety of other treats were over 200 Mendocino College Students who received a free holiday meal on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at Mendocino College.

Ketmani Kouanchao, Dean of Student Services at Mendocino College, encouraged the Associated Students of Mendocino College (ASMC) and staff to offer the second annual free holiday meal to students.  “Many of our students struggle with having enough food to eat along with transportation to and from college.  We were so impressed with the turnout for last year’s event we felt that a holiday meal would be well received amongst our students again this year,” stated Kouanchao.  “The students are encouraged by this event and we find that comradery especially helpful just before finals week.”

The ASMC provided the funding for all the turkey and gravy and the Classified staff pitched in for the dressing, which was graciously prepared by Stan’s Maple Café.  The mashed potatoes were whipped up in the Culinary Arts building.  And the Management/ Supervisory/Confidential Staff donated the funds for the Culinary Arts Program to bake chocolate cakes.  Individual staff brought a variety of other items, creating a very festive holiday lunch.

Flyers and signs were posted around campus, however, many students were reminded about the lunch through word of mouth by their peers or staff standing outside of the Lowery Student Center that day.  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 Faculty Member and ASMC Advisor, Phil Warf, was excited about another successful year.  He stated, “We are already looking forward to next year, plans are in motion to make it a bigger and better event, hopefully serving even more than the 206 students we served this year.”