Resilience in Service: Campus Dining’s Response to Community Crisis

When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina, the immediate aftermath revealed the critical role that App State's dining played in the community and beyond. In a two-week response effort during the university’s closure, dining facilities opened their doors to provide free meals to students, faculty, staff, and affected residents. This session delved into our response to this crisis, emphasizing how campus dining not only fulfilled a fundamental need for nourishment but also acted as a unifying force amid chaos. 

Hear from Elizabeth Riede, App State’s executive director of campus dining, as she shares how her team mobilized to provide thousands of free meals and build partnerships across campus and beyond. Gain insights into emergency response logistics, team leadership during adversity, and strategies for using dining operations as a source of healing and connection in times of need.

We shared insights on mobilizing staff, coordinating meal service, and fostering an inclusive environment that welcomed individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The collaborative relationships formed with other campus divisions, local organizations, and volunteers showcase how community partnerships amplified outreach and support. Learn about the logistical planning involved in providing thousands of meals, as well as the emotional impact of our efforts on both the recipients and the staff involved. 

This session was designed to inspire other dining services to view their role through a lens of community engagement and resilience, reinforcing the notion that food is not just sustenance but a powerful tool for healing and connection in times of crisis. The team demonstrated remarkable resilience and compassion, stepping away from their own personal challenges to ensure that no one felt alone during this trying time. Elizabeth shares App State’s lived experience, and the live audience also had the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation.