The Bluffton University Nutrition Association (BUNA) will hold its annual Harvest Dinner, benefiting the Bluffton Community Assistance Corporation and the Churches United Pantry in Lima, from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, at the Bluffton Middle School cafeteria, 102 S. Jackson St., Bluffton.

This year’s dinner will feature comfort food including: chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and dessert. Many of the ingredients were sourced locally through donations from area farms and businesses. Monetary donations will be greatly appreciated and all proceeds will benefit the food pantries in Bluffton and Lima. 

Bluffton University food and nutrition students will prepare the food from scratch, students in the SERVE student organization will serve the food, while music majors will provide the entertainment. Ceramic pieces including bowls made by art students will also be available for an additional donation to the food pantry. 

“I have always been passionate about food insecurity,” said Laura Galley, BUNA president. “BUNA members volunteer every third Saturday at Churches United Pantry (CUP) in Lima where we serve approximately 20 families. The pantry would not have any weekend hours and many of these working families would go hungry if not for BUNA's volunteer commitment. I believe that everyone should have access to nutritious food. The Bluffton University Nutrition Association saw a need in our community 15 years ago and ever since we have been committed to raising money, volunteering and advocating for our local pantries.”