Show-Me State Times

Thanksgiving at Saint Louis University involves preparing hundreds of meals for the St. Louis community through an initiative called Turkeypalooza. This annual food drive is organized by Campus Kitchen, a student-run organization focused on reducing food insecurity and waste in the areas surrounding SLU.

SLU senior and Campus Kitchen co-president Dani Doncevic expressed her enthusiasm for the event: “My favorite part of being involved in Turkeypalooza is seeing how many individuals in our community are inspired to help feed others, especially during this time.” She added that Thanksgiving is about community unity through food, aligning closely with their mission as an organization.

Preparation for Turkeypalooza begins in November, when organizers start planning donation collections and determining distribution locations. This year, collection efforts kicked off in Reinert Hall's kitchen. The SLU community was encouraged to donate, with two collection days scheduled before Thanksgiving. Doncevic noted significant contributions from groups like the Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

“The Molecular Microbiology & Immunology department at Saint Louis University School of Medicine has been very gracious and generous with their donations for many years,” Doncevic said. She highlighted Office Manager Dawn Schwartz’s role in coordinating these efforts.

After stocking shelves with donations, the team moves into cooking mode. “On Thursday night, we start to prepare vegetables —such as cutting onions, garlic, etc.,” explained Doncevic. They also plan recipes based on available ingredients and purchase missing items if necessary.

The weekend before Thanksgiving is dedicated to cooking activities involving volunteers who spend around 16 hours preparing meals and family baskets for distribution. Each meal includes a protein source, starch, vegetable, and dessert to maintain Thanksgiving traditions while accommodating dietary restrictions where needed.

Last year’s efforts resulted in approximately 400 meals and 30 family baskets containing all necessary components for a Thanksgiving meal. After cooking concludes, volunteers focus on delivering meals on Monday and Tuesday by collaborating with various local organizations.