The Wisconsin Union is hosting their 22nd annual ‘Thanksgiving To Go’ program, providing homemade meals for members of the Madison community distributed on Nov. 26. Ordering is currently set to close on Nov. 18 at 9 a.m., or while supplies last.
This event is made possible by the Union’s culinary, catering, conference, marketing and communications departments, Wisconsin Union spokesperson Shauna Breneman said.
“Thanksgiving To Go is truly a team-wide effort across the Wisconsin Union,” Breneman said, “The baking and cooking efforts in Wisconsin Union kitchens are extensive.”
Last year the dining and hospitality team made 1,500 pies, 65 gallons of turkey gravy, 20 gallons of whipped cream and 1,200 pounds of turkey last year, Breneman said.
To purchase one of these meals, customers can go through the Union’s online ordering system. Meal pickups will take place at Memorial Union’s Tripp Commons from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. the day before Thanksgiving.
Breneman said recent years have seen a trend of around 700 total meal orders. “It’s an easy way to enjoy chef-crafted holiday dishes in the comfort of your own home,” she said.
Proceeds from ‘Thanksgiving To Go’ help support the Union’s student leadership programs and stipends for student leaders.
Orders are open to all Madisonians, including University of Wisconsin-Madison students, all of whom are eligible for a discounted meal.
This also marks the Union’s fifth year partnering with UW-Madison’s Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) and the Campus Food Access Fund to provide a free meal to students with food insecurity.
“UW-Madison students with valid Wiscards that are experiencing food insecurity can self-identify their need to qualify for a free meal when placing an individual meal order,” Breneman said.
At UW-Madison, services like The Open Seat Food Pantry, the only food pantry on campus and primarily funded by the Food Access Fund, have been limited in their abilities to provide as demand surges and funding wanes.
The Wisconsin Union’s collaboration with the university features open donations, even without purchasing a meal. Proceeds go toward helping student food insecurity initiatives on campus, including Open Seat.
Individuals can order a meal for just themselves or get a group meal for six. Menu items include a choice of meat, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, stuffing, cranberries, dinner rolls and pies — all the beloved and traditional Thanksgiving goodies. Wisconsin Union is also providing a vegetarian option featuring a substitution of butternut squash lasagna instead of meat.
“We’re honored to make the holiday season a little easier and enjoyable with delicious festive offerings for the whole table,” Breneman said. “Whether this provides a taste of Thanksgiving for those who can’t go home or a way for people to spend more time with loved ones, it’s a privilege to play a small role in the memories our customers hold for a lifetime.”
