Although Thanksgiving has now passed, the impact of the holiday season was felt well before the celebrations began.
On Tuesday, Nov. 25, West Chester University’s (WCU) high-tech Food Lab was filled with the sounds and smells of cooking as the Department of Nutrition prepared 40 homemade Thanksgiving meals for residents of Safe Harbor, a local emergency shelter that supports adults experiencing homelessness.
WCU Professor of Nutrition Dr. Jeanie Subach, faculty, students, and staff rolled up their sleeves to prepare a full Thanksgiving spread: four large turkeys; 40 pounds of sweet and mashed potatoes; corn, peas, collard greens, stuffing, gravy, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and fresh cranberry sauce — all cooked and packed on-site.
As experts in food and nutrition, the Department of Nutrition regularly responds to community needs through hands-on initiatives that combat food insecurity. During the federal government’s recent shutdown, Subach, Dr. Chrissy Riccardo, and student nutrition majors worked to ensure nutritious food reached those most affected.
Riccardo organized a meal bag donation program for federal workers at Philadelphia International Airport — many of whom receive SNAP benefits — and supplied local food pantries. Faculty also stocked the St. Agnes Nurses Center with healthy nonperishables requested by its registered dietitian to assist clients managing diet-related chronic diseases.
Inspired by their professors, nutrition students expanded these efforts. The Food Systems Management (FSM) Club hosted two coffee fundraisers, raising $150 for the WCU Resource Pantry and the West Chester Food Cupboard. The Ram Chefs — young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities gaining culinary skills through the Ram Chef Program — made and sold trail mix, raising $300. Subach’s nutrition class raised an additional $200 by selling homemade chicken noodle soup. Together, students and faculty generated more than $1,200 to purchase food for local pantries during a time of heightened need.
“This is what nutrition education is all about,” said Subach. “Preparing Thanksgiving meals for Safe Harbor isn’t just about food; it’s about dignity, compassion, and showing our neighbors they’re not forgotten. I’m incredibly proud of our students for applying what they learn in ways that truly make a difference.”
Dean of the College of Health Sciences Dr. Scott Heinerichs echoed this sentiment. “Our Nutrition Department exemplifies the best of West Chester University’s commitment to community engagement and social responsibility,” he said. “Our faculty and students are preparing to become leaders who understand their responsibility to improve health outcomes and serve their communities.”
Learn more at WCU, the largest member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. Founded in 1871, West Chester University is a comprehensive public institution offering a diverse range of more than 180 academic opportunities in 40 fields of study across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. In addition to the main campus in West Chester, the University offers programs through its graduate center, the campus in Philadelphia, and online.
