Grinnellians impatient for Thanksgiving—wait no longer! Grinnell’s Local Foods Coop will be hosting the Fourth Annual Local Food Thanksgiving this Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Quad in Main Hall.
“This year, the Coop is having Thanksgiving a week early, so it won’t conflict with the School of Americas protest next weekend,” said Sarah Shaughnessy ’13.
Shaughnessy, Carissa Shoemaker ’14 and Emily Stanfield ’12 are just a few of the many student coordinators of the Coop. They allow students to get a taste of Grinnell—all the food they will serve at the dinner is local.
“We are getting all of our turkeys from Ann Brau, a local farmer. The majority of the veggies will be coming from Grinnell Heritage Farm. The apples for apple cider and apple crisp will be coming from a local orchard. All the grains will be coming from Paul’s Grains,” Shoemaker said.
Whether you’re looking for some comfort mashed potatoes or a more daring entrée, this Thanksgiving has you covered. The Coop will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal with some unique twists.
“We are cooking a Carrot Ginger soup that should be really good,” Shaughnessy said. “We’re also serving challah, which Chalutzim, the Jewish club, makes for us every year.”
Local Food Thanksgiving is open to college students, faculty and members of the town.
“This is one of the coolest parts of Local Food Thanksgiving, that people from all parts of the community come together to eat,” Stanfield said. “There are few campus events that bring together students and community members.”
Tickets are three dollars if purchased in advance, and four dollars at the door. They are being sold this week in the JRC at lunch and dinner. They are also being sold all week at Saints Rest, Brown’s Shoes and McNally’s. All proceeds from the meal go directly to the Local Food Coop.
“If you paid for an entire local meal in a restaurant, it would be much more than three dollars, so this is a really good deal,” Shaughnessy said.
An even better deal awaits those who have two hours to spare. Anyone who volunteers for two hours can eat for free. Those interested should email localfood@grinnell.edu.
“We are looking for people to cook turkeys or apple crisps,” Stanfield said. “You can even cook one in your dorm, just find an oven!”
Local Food Thanksgiving will be composed of not only food and conversation, but also live music. Those attending will have the pleasure of listening to Ethan Kevarg ’12, Katie In ’13 and Maia Pillot ’12 play. The Too Many Strings Band, a local group featuring several Grinnell professors who play string instruments, will also be performing.
“Everyone should come, you can do cool stuff like process a turkey and make new friends!” Shaughnessy said. “I’m processing a turkey for the first time this year. I’m a little scared, but I’m going to eat it, so I should know where it comes from and how it gets to my plate.”
