As the holiday season approaches, many Ferris students find themselves far from home, juggling end-of-semester stress with the question of where they’ll spend Thanksgiving or whether they’ll get a traditional meal at all.
To help bridge that gap, there are many resources around the university and community that are offering several free Thanksgiving meals and resources aimed at creating connection, comfort and belonging for students who remain in Big Rapids over the break. These events provide not only food but a sense of community during a time when many students feel most isolated.
University leaders say programs like these are essential to supporting student well-being and building a campus culture rooted in care.
Dean of Student Life Lina Blair emailed students on Nov. 10 about meal options for anyone staying on campus or in the area during the Thanksgiving break. The email detailed campus dining facilities and local organizations that will offer meals throughout the week and over break, as it is a way to ensure everyone on campus has the resources they need.
“As the Thanksgiving season approaches, we want to ensure that all Bulldogs can enjoy a warm meal and a sense of community during the holiday,” Blair said in the announcement. “There are several Thanksgiving meal options available both on campus and in the Big Rapids community.”
On campus, the Academic Literacies Center will host a Thanksgiving meal for all students on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m. in FLITE 120. Organizers say the event is open to anyone looking to share food and connect with others ahead of the holiday.
For those seeking a meal on Thanksgiving Day, Our Brother’s Keeper is organizing a free community dinner at Angels of Action, located at 200 S. Stewart Ave. The meal will be served on Thursday, Nov. 27, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Transportation will be available through Dial-A-Ride for anyone who needs assistance.
Several community groups are also offering resources. ResLife Church is distributing Thanksgiving boxes that contain ingredients for a traditional holiday meal on Saturday, Nov. 22. Although the referral deadline of Nov. 12 has passed, this initiative highlights one of the key ways local organizations support residents during the holiday season.
Another source of support for students staying in Big Rapids comes from the Ferris State Wesley House, a campus faith-based organization focused on community building and mutual care.
Reverend Kim Bos, campus pastor and executive director of the Ferris State Wesley House described how they aim to support anyone who is looking for a community, regardless of beliefs.
“We’re an organization that’s mostly about building a Christian community. We always say we’re Christians, but you don’t have to be,” Bos said. “It’s more about connecting and feeling connected to other people than believing all the exact same things.”
The Wesley House also hosts regular social events aimed at giving students a break from academic stress. This Saturday, Nov. 22, the group is holding a Twilight movie marathon designed simply to bring people together.
While the Wesley House isn’t hosting a large Thanksgiving meal this year, Bos said staff are still working to support students who remain in Big Rapids.
“We only have one student staying, and we helped her partner with a church family for Thanksgiving,” she said. “They were so excited to have her. It was almost like seeing a movie star for a second.”
In previous years, the organization has hosted holiday meals or partnered with Angels of Action to promote community dinners.
The Wesley House will still hold its annual Friendsgiving on Thursday, Nov. 20, where students bring a favorite family dish and spend the evening playing games.
“By this point in the semester, everybody’s just hanging on until Thanksgiving,” Bos said. “So having a goofball night the Thursday right before Thanksgiving break is really helpful.”
Ferris students away from home have the opportunity to find meals and community, ensuring no one spends Thanksgiving alone. To stay up to date with the Wesley House and events they are hosting, follow their Instagram at fsuwesleyhouse.