Campus Kitchen at Mankato State University is up and running, and serving families meals 5 times per week. Volunteers are saying that the new up and running program has "been a great way to help others" and that it even "rocks their socks!". "I totally believe in the concept, I have enough food, others don't - it's about sharing, said volunteer Anne Hokenstad. With the program only in its third week, volunteers and people in the community are beginning to hear great things. Recognition/ Rewards Coordinator, and also Volunteer Coordinator, Michelle Hansen has high hopes for Campus Kitchen. "I think it will make a huge impact on the community and school!" The program is expected to do great things in the future, with employees, volunteers, and faculty believing it will do just that.
Written by Allie Houfer
Allie Houfer "CKP has shown me that there are a lot of people in my community that may need more help and support than I may need. Also CKP is involving so many different people in the Mankato area and on-campus, and bringing everyone together, to help do something great for those less fortunate!"
Michelle Hansen " CKP has influenced me by making me appreciate having food I can eat and being able to afford things. I really like being a part of CKP because it is really fun and it's great giving back to the community!"
Linzy Ramaker "I really enjoy working at Campus Kitchen. It gets me involved with the Mankato area, and I have learned that giving back is such a great feeling. Also I like working with the "fellows"; we have all become great friends!"
Meredith Williams "It is really a rewarding feeling to make sure that I am helping in the 'war against hunger'. I realize that there is so much that is wasted and taken for granted and I only wish to give what is not given. CKP helps."
Michelle Hansen - "I think a lot of people especially college students don't realize there's actually homeless people here in Mankato." "Reaching out to others is a fulfilling experience. You feel like you're helping the community when you're giving them the food, delivering it you get a really good feeling."
Allie Houfer - "It really has affected me, I didn't expect it to hit me this hard."
Linzy Ramaker - "Campus Kitchen changed my life. It will also help many people in the area and change the way volunteers live life."
Cody Anderson - "A lot of these things don't end up being that much fun, this one was different."
Theresa House - "(Campus Kitchens) will help our guests out," Bartholomew said. "It'll be nice for a mom with a lot of kids to have a nice nutritious meal when she gets home she didn't have to do it."
Neng Thao - "I thought it was really great," student Neng Thao said. "We can do something for MSU and the community, too."
Jasmine Valentine - "I like the thought, for just those few hours a day, we make food and then deliver it; I'm changing a life for the better. Then looking at the program as a whole, it is amazing to see there are so many college students that make an effort to change the world! I love to know I'm a big part of it!"
Laura Tenny - "I learned how to put other's needs before my own and I learned how to remain committed to a program and its mission."
Nicole Jechorek - "I learned about things to consider when planning events in the community (protein drive). It made me realize how many people it takes to make an organization work...all the employees, volunteers, donors, etc."
