Howard Community College, Community Action Council of Howard County, and Visit Howard County Hosted Community Thanksgiving Meal for Howard County Families Facing Food Insecurity

Howard Community College (HCC), the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC), and Visit Howard County partnered to host a Community Thanksgiving Meal on Thursday, November 27, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Kahlert Foundation Complex on HCC’s campus. The event brought together more than 50 invited guests, including households currently receiving services through CAC’s Howard County Food Bank and Early Childhood Education Program, as well as HCC students who benefited from additional support this holiday season.

Thanks to more than 60 volunteers, families enjoyed a full Thanksgiving feast with turkey and traditional sides, provided at no cost through the generosity of local restaurant partners. The partners aimed to ensure that neighbors experiencing hardship were able to celebrate in a welcoming space filled with dignity, connection, and care.

"This meal represents the heart of what our organizations can do together, meeting our neighbors where they dream with compassion and practical support," said Daria J. Willis, HCC President. "In a time when so many families are navigating economic uncertainty, we are grateful to provide a warm meal and a welcoming space where everyone belongs."

“As we headed into Thanksgiving week, I reflected on the incredible dedication and unity shown by our community over the past several weeks. The need could not have been more urgent. CAC was seeing record numbers of families seeking food assistance at our Howard County Food Bank,” said Tracy Broccolino, CAC President. “This was an indication of the ripple effects that continued following the recent federal government shutdown and the temporary pause of SNAP benefits through most of November. Even so, we saw families moving forward with strength, and our community stepping up to ensure no neighbor felt alone during the Thanksgiving holiday.”

"Visit Howard County is proud to support this meaningful partnership," said Amanda Hof, Executive Director of Visit Howard County. "Howard County hospitality extends beyond our restaurants and attractions. It is about caring for our neighbors and creating welcoming spaces where everyone can gather and connect, especially during times of need."

Local businesses stepped forward to help serve guests and provide culinary contributions:

• “We are thankful for our community and honored to help!” — Donna Leigh Wecker, Owner, The Elkridge Furnace Inn and Garden House
• “Serving our community is a responsibility we embrace—especially during the holidays, when no one should feel forgotten. Contributing to the community Thanksgiving dinner is simply the right thing to do.” — Steve Wecker, Cured / 18th & 21st / Iron Bridge Wine Company, 2019 State of Maryland Restaurateur of the Year
• “We’re happy to be able to contribute to this. Thanksgiving is a time for comfort, good food, and also helping those in need. We're happy to work with HCC and Visit Howard County to represent the hospitality community in this.” — Corey Laub, Owner & Executive Chef, Old Line Kitchen & Wine Bar
• “WE ARE LOCAL. You’ve seen us in your neighborhoods, downtown, and walking around the lake. This is our community and we are proud to be a part of it. You are our friends and neighbors, and we want nothing but the best for you. Happy Holidays.” — Demitian Gilbert, Managing Partner, The Collective Offshore
• “Creating art is part of who I am—but so is cooking. Being able to share both with the community for the Thanksgiving dinner is truly an honor. Helping others is one of the most rewarding things I can do.” — Eric Smith, icFx Art

Through shared commitment and collaboration, Howard Community College, the Community Action Council of Howard County, Visit Howard County, and local restaurant partners ensured that neighbors were nourished, supported, and reminded that they are not alone.

This inaugural Community Thanksgiving Meal served as a powerful demonstration of what is possible when institutions come together to foster belonging, restore stability, and help families move forward with dignity and hope.