When was the last time you had a full Thanksgiving meal? Probably last Thanksgiving. This year, Sodexo is hosting a Thanksgiving Grand Buffet in honor of this holiday celebration. Hubbell Dining Hall is closing during the lunch hour today, so the buffet can be served in upper Olmsted and Parents Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The buffet will feature traditional Thanksgiving foods: Turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, a variety of breads and many desserts–but in a much larger setting. Students and faculty will have nearly 15 different food choices during this festivity and will be able to eat at much as they would like of the foods offered.

This Thanksgiving meal will count as a normal board meal or cost $6.95 if paid in flex dollars, $6.95 plus tax if paid in Bulldog Bucks. Quad Creek Café will remain open during this time for those who would like to eat more traditional Sodexo food. Either way, Sodexo is making sure you do not pass the lunch hour hungry today.

During the meal there will also be a creative Thanksgiving activity: Bowling with frozen turkeys. Bowling will be held in the breezeway from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This event is also a chance for the Drake community to help a greater cause. The Drake All Staff Council and Special Events Committee will have a table set up in Olmsted for food collection. The nonperishable items collected here will be given to the Des Moines Area Religious Council Emergency Food Pantry (DMARC) and eventually distributed around the area.

DMARC focuses on delivering food in emergency situations that is free. DMARC is currently accepting canned vegetables, peanut butter, beans, crackers, cereal and many other nonperishable items as listed on the DMARC website.

During this time of giving also consider donating to Combat Hunger, going on all week around the Des Moines community. All canned foods and nonperishable items are welcome.