?? Feeding Hearts and Minds: Sodexo Dietitians Bring Thanksgiving Spirit to Life ??

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, connection and, of course, delicious food. For our Sodexo dietitians, the holiday is an opportunity to create moments that warm the heart and feed the soul. Beyond crafting incredible meals, they bring joy, gratitude, and togetherness to the communities they serve. Through festive events, meaningful gestures and cherished recipes, they help others experience the true essence of Thanksgiving. In preparation for the upcoming holiday, I took a closer look at their stories, traditions and inspirations.

Spreading Warmth at Marquette University ??

For Lucas Flaherty, Thanksgiving at Marquette University is all about creating a sense of belonging for those who may not have the chance to be with their families. As students and staff gather for a holiday-themed meal, the dining facility transforms into a home away from home.

"These gatherings create an atmosphere of warmth and connection, and it's incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact our efforts have on everyone who participates," Lucas shares. "Being part of a team that fosters such meaningful experiences during the holidays is truly inspiring."

Additionally, the department of ministry on campus gives meals to Marquette employees and the homeless. Lucas and his team don’t just serve food; they serve a reminder that no one is alone. This commitment to fostering community is the heartbeat of their efforts.

A Taste of Thanksgiving: Savory Butternut Squash Soup

One of Lucas’s favorite dishes for the holiday season is a velvety Savory Butternut Squash Soup. With its rich, nutmeg-infused flavor, this soup embodies the warmth and comfort of Thanksgiving.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: roasted pumpkin seeds, fresh parsley, cilantro, or red chili flakes

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and softened.
2. Add the cubed butternut squash and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the squash is tender (about 20 minutes).
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in coconut milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve warm, garnished with your favorite toppings.

This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or as a cozy leftover treat during the holiday weekend.

Gratitude in Action Across the Midwest ??

Jessica Airola’s Thanksgiving celebrations highlight the joy of giving back and building community. As a Regional Campus Dietitian, Jessica partners with dining teams to host events that make a difference.

This year, she and Chef Jeremy organized a holiday cooking demonstration at Manchester University, featuring quick and healthy recipes, including the Mindful Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetable Salad. At Grace College, students participated in a trail mix-building activity while writing heartfelt thank-you notes to dining staff—a perfect blend of gratitude and nourishment.

"I am grateful to work for a company that encourages employees to create meaningful events that have a positive impact on people's lives," Jessica explains. "Whether we are serving a delicious meal or having a special event to brighten someone's day, I continuously feel fulfilled by working at Sodexo."

Jessica also praised the University of Findlay’s annual food drive, which collected a staggering 265,216 pounds of food to help fight hunger in Hancock County, Ohio. Students brought creativity and holiday spirit to the event through "Canstruction" challenges, a testament to the power of teamwork and generosity during Thanksgiving.

Serving Over 4,000 Meals with Gratitude ???

For a Sodexo Clinical Nutrition Manager Christen Butterfield, Thanksgiving is a time to go big—and go heartfelt. At her healthcare account in Texas, Christen’s Sodexo management team prepared and served a free Thanksgiving meal to over 4,000 staff members and visitors.

"This is our way of saying thank you," Christen shares. "We are all grateful for the opportunity to serve our community this holiday season with good food and holiday cheer". It’s a tradition that reminds us how much we value our community.

The meal wasn’t just about feeding the body but also about nourishing the spirit. Through this grand gesture, Christen and her team exemplify the true meaning of Thanksgiving: kindness, generosity, and gratitude.

Warm Fall Favorites: The Best Starter Dip ??

For me, the excitement of the holidays is tied to the joy of sharing good recipes that bring people together. One of my personal favorites is Clams Casino Dip, a savory, comforting and unique appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. There’s something about the blend of flavors that captures the cozy, indulgent spirit of Thanksgiving.

A Delicious Starter: Clams Casino Dip Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cans minced clams with juice
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ? cup green pepper, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp parsley
• 1 tsp oregano
• Dash of Tabasco sauce
• Dash of cayenne pepper
• ? cup Italian-flavored breadcrumbs
• ? cup shredded cheese mix (parmesan, Swiss, Colby, sharp cheddar)
• Paprika to taste
• Triscuits or hearty crackers for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Simmer the clams and lemon juice on the stovetop for 15 minutes.
3. In a separate pan, sauté green pepper, butter, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, Tabasco, and cayenne until soft (about 20 minutes).
4. Combine the clam mixture with the sautéed ingredients.
5. Stir in the breadcrumbs until the consistency resembles oatmeal.
6. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish. Top with the shredded cheese mixture and sprinkle paprika on top.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve warm with hearty crackers and enjoy!

This dip always starts conversations and sparks smiles around the table, making it a holiday staple in my household.

A Sweet Way of Giving Thanks ??

Senior Area Clinical Manager Emily Fear found heartwarming ways to thank her staff who worked through the holiday to create memorable meals for residents and fellow team members. Each year, she prepared thoughtful and creative gifts to show appreciation. From “Thanks for Your Commit-mint” bags filled with York peppermint patties to “Thanks for Bean Here” bags brimming with chocolate-covered espresso beans, these tokens of gratitude brought smiles and a sense of belonging. “It was always a nice way to say thank you to the staff who took time away from their families to make a really special holiday meal,” Emily reflects. This small but meaningful gesture perfectly embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving: recognizing the people who make the season truly special.

?? A Cookbook of Connection and Gratitude ??

From Lucas’s comforting soup to Jessica’s vibrant vegetable salad, the recipes shared by Sodexo dietitians are more than just dishes—they are stories of care and connection. These meals remind us that food is a powerful way to express gratitude and bring people together.

As you prepare your own Thanksgiving feast, consider incorporating these ideas into your celebration. Serve a dish that tells a story, host an activity that fosters gratitude, or simply share a meal with someone who could use the company.

This holiday season let’s follow the lead of our Sodexo dietitians: spreading joy, sharing meals, and cultivating gratitude, one delicious bite at a time. What’s on your Thanksgiving table this year? Let us know in the comments or share your favorite holiday recipes. We’d love to hear how you’re bringing the holiday spirit to life!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Sodexo family to yours! ????

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Best,

Natalie Filippone MS, RD, LDN

[email protected]