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 Campus Dining plays in our university community and beyond. In a two-week response effort during the University’s closure, our dining facilities opened their doors to provide free meals to students, faculty, staff, and affected residents. This session will delve 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.  We will share insights on mobilizing staff, coordinating meal service, and fostering an inclusive environment that welcomed individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Our team demonstrated remarkable resilience and compassion, stepping away from their own personal challenges to ensure that no one felt alone during this trying time. 

Participants will learn from an example of 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. We will also highlight the collaborative relationships formed with other campus divisions, local organizations, and volunteers, showcasing how community partnerships can amplify outreach and support. This session aims 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 audience will hear App State’s lived experience but will also have the opportunity to ask questions to explore their own campus’ experiences or challenges.