麻豆视频

Culinary Arts Program Launches Thanksgiving Project

December 11, 2023

In response to some self-reflection, Chef Joe Sakers made the decision to use his experience and talents in the kitchen to create and support a food-focused community service event. The result was the creation of the Thanksgiving Project, which resulted in nearly 30 local families receiving fully prepared Thanksgiving meals that were delivered the morning of the holiday.

"After a conversation with my sons about the lack of volunteering we did as a family this past year, I wanted to lead by example and start something that would benefit the community using my skill set," said Sakers, culinary arts department chair on the Delaware Tech Terry Campus in Dover. "I thought cooking meals for those in need was the perfect way for a chef to give back to the community."

Sakers shared his idea with Steve Duncan, founder of the Slim's Chance Foundation, and Duncan agreed to help with the costs of some of the food and also decided to be one of the drivers who would deliver the meals on Thanksgiving Day.

With the partnership in place, the two groups teamed up to purchase, cook, pack, and deliver the food, which was the complete traditional feast. Each family received a meal of roast turkey, turkey gravy, sage stuffing, mashed potatoes, succotash, collard greens, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

The feedback from those involved with the project, from the volunteers to the families who received the meals, was highly positive.

"We heard very good responses from everyone - the people who helped prepare the food, the drivers who delivered the meals, and the families who received the meals," said Sakers. "Many people have asked if we will continue this next year because they want to be a part of it and volunteer their time. If we continue and get the right people in place to help support this project, I think one day we could have the means and capability to feed well over 50 families."

Future growth would be great, but Sakers is already proud of what his community service project has provided.

"The most satisfying part of all this is knowing that we fed over 100 people a Thanksgiving meal and they got to eat it with their family," he said.

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Slim's Chance offers comprehensive support solutions for kids who have lost a parent due to illness or sudden loss of life. Child-centered programs include counseling services, financial planning and assistance initiatives, and sports and recreational projects. .