January 17, 2023
Serve a need in 2023: Konza Student Table needs volunteers to pack for students
Konza Student Table has served more than 50,000 meals to K-State students since its launch nearly two years ago. Volunteers are needed to help sustain this benefit to K-State students for 1-2 hour blocks of time once a semester — or more often if available.
Konza Student Table offers free meals each Wednesday night, year-round to K-State students who can benefit from a free, ready-to-eat, delicious meal that includes breakfast items for the next morning. Konza Student Table is responsible for packing shelf-stable breakfast/snack bags each Tuesday and packing meals on Wednesday for service that evening. The program is made possible through the collaboration of St. Isidore's Catholic Student Center, the Riley County and City of Manhattan Food and Farm Council and K-State Housing and Dining Services. It depends on volunteers to ensure that nearly 600 meals can be served weekly.
Konza Student Table is looking for volunteers to pack breakfast bags or meals. Find details for signing up.
Konza Student Table isn't a solution for hunger, but rather a means of turning adversity and challenges into an opportunity to serve K-State students by offering a meal, friendly conversation and encouragement for the days ahead.
"We serve the very best students anywhere!" said Vickie James, Konza Student Table director and coordinator of the Riley County and City of Manhattan Food and Farm Council. "Their gratefulness and appreciation show week after week. We have become a family. We hear their struggles, their mountain top moments. We get to know their children, their pets and their world, and we become one through food. It is our task as a K-State family to sustain this wonderful program."
"Konza Student Table has been a truly beneficial resource for many of our busy students," said Dianna Schalles, coordinator of nutrition counseling and registered dietitian nutritionist at Lafene Health Center. "They can look forward to a nutritious, warm meal every week that they don't have to cook, as well as leftovers for breakfast or a snack the next day. This saves them time and money, with the added benefit of some fun interaction with fellow students and Konza Student Table volunteers."
Contact James for additional information at vickiejames8955@gmail.com or rileycountyfoodandfarmcouncil@gmail.com.