Student Meals Ministry

Providing meals to college students is an important part of our ministry. During the academic year, we provide Sunday lunch and Wednesday dinner to students, as well as stocking a food pantry in our Campus Center. We do this because:

• More than one-third of college students at ASU go hungry each month.
• You will enjoy meeting the students.
• Students enjoy interacting with the people who provide the meals.
• Sharing meals allows college students to get to know each other and builds community.

How can you help?

• Volunteer to bring a meal for Sunday lunch or Wednesday night dinner.
• Donate funds for meals.
• Donate non-perishable food to the student food pantry in the Campus Center.

Providing Student Meals

Sunday lunches are served at about 11:45 am in the Campus Center Library. Students might eat outside on the patio if the weather is nice. Wednesday dinner is served at 5:30 pm in the Campus Center. For both meals, we provide a grab-n-go option and boxes for students to take left-overs.

How many students dine each week?

This varieties each semester. Generally 20-25 students attend. Usually, Wednesday dinners are more heavily attended than Sunday lunches. On occasion, there are student activities away from our community (such as retreats and fundraisers) that lower participation. These dates are usually noted on the signup sheet,

What type of food should I make?

Students like basic food, comfort food. Their tastes, generally, are simple. The food they like best is prepared with love. Here are some ideas, but feel free to do something different.

• Hearty stew, bread
• Roast pork or meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable
• Pancakes or waffles (Yes, breakfast for dinner is a well received.)
• Beef stroganoff, noodles, vegetable
• Spaghetti and meatballs
• Lasagna with side salad
• Baked chicken with sauce or coating, au gratin potatoes, vegetable or salad
• Soup and salad
• Hot dogs or hamburgers, potato salad, chips, baked beans

Will I need to consider dietary restrictions?

Yes. Sometimes we have students with food allergies or who are vegetarian or vegan. Currently we have two students who can’t have dairy products and one person who prefers low or no gluten. These restrictions can change, so please check this webpage or with the office if it has been more than a month since you’ve provided a meal.

May I partner with someone?

Yes, many families partner with other families to prepare meals.

Instead of cooking, can I provide money to pay for a meal?

Yes! Normally $65-$75 will cover the cost of food. We can order something or have students prepare the meal. Truly, any donation is welcome.

Can I prepare a meal for someone else to serve?

Yes. Just leave instructions with the Pastor or Campus Ministry Associate, especially if it needs to be heated or watched in any way. If there are any leftovers, we will put them in the refrigerator for you to pick up at a later time,

Do I need to provide a dessert or a beverage?

No. The students appreciate dessert when it’s served, but they never complain when dessert is not provided, Dessert also does not have to be elaborate. Some cooks provide a beverage, but it’s not needed. We usually have ice tea and lemonade mix on hand that students can make.

Where do I prepare the meal at church or home?

Either is fine. Your preference.

Who will set up the tables and clean up?

Students generally set up and will do major clean-up. Cleaning counters, loading the dishwasher, taking out the trash, setting and taking down tables, etc., are student responsibilities. You may want to take your pots and dishes home right away and clean them yourself.

Will I need provide plates, glasses, or tableware?

No, the Campus Center kitchen typically has plenty of plates, utensils, glasses, and tableware, as well as three crock pots, large platters, serving bowls, and utensils. However, if you provide something served in bowls, you may want to check the bowls to see if they will work for you and if we have enough.

May I eat with the students?

Absolutely! They love it when the hosts share a meal with them.

How do I sign up?

There are signup sheets on the moving bulletin board. You can also contact the church office: info@ulctempe.org or 480-967-3543.

The office or Campus Ministry Associate can also put you in touch with experienced “meal ministers” to help you get started.

What else do I need to know?

Cooking at home requires some thought and advance preparation.

1. Walk through the serving process in your mind, Does the church kitchen have all the necessary serving tools and dishes to serve the meal you are preparing (for example, cutting boards, knives, tongs)? If not, plan to bring them from home.
2. Meals like soups and stews require extra care in transporting them to the church. We suggest putting the pots or pans in a towel-lined box and ensuring the box won’t slide around in your vehicle. It’s very hard to get chili about of a trunk carpet or car upholstery.

Top Things You’ll Hear at Student Meals

• Thank you for making dinner for us.
• Are we having _______ again? Oh good, I was hoping for that. I really like it.
• Can we have have seconds?
• May I take some home?
• When are you cooking again?

Cooking for Students Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Find recipes that can be easily doubled, tripled, or quadrupled. You can use allrecipes.com or other websites to find recipes. Scaling tools in various websites adjust the recipes for increased serving sizes.
• Look for recipes that are simple usually with just a few ingredients.
• Arrive early enough to have the meal ready at the designated time.
• Make simple, uncomplicated meals. The students seem to like these best. And they are less work for the cooks.

Don’t:

• Sweat the small stuff. You are cooking for a very appreciative group of students, not running a restaurant.
• Try to outdo the Jones family. Make the meals that you do best, the kind you would make for your own family, The students are sure to love what you prepare.
• Think you have to make everything from scratch. Side dishes from a box and frozen vegetables are devoured with the same appreciation as fresh vegetables you peeled, sliced, or diced,
• Be afraid of making the same meal multiple times. You may think the students might get bored, but they may only be served your meal once a month (if you sign up monthly) or once a semester.