Togetherness in Lean Seasons
“For many families, winter is the season when everything feels tighter. January brings higher heating bills, rising grocery costs, and fewer options to stretch a limited budget. The pressure is constant, and small setbacks can feel overwhelming,” states Executive Director Tamera Jerke-Liesinger. At The Banquet, families find steady support that goes beyond a single meal.
In 2025, The Banquet served more than 177,577 meals across our Downtown and West locations. Behind that number are parents making sure their children eat first, families sharing a warm table, and the comfort of knowing they can return again tomorrow. That sense of routine matters deeply during uncertain months.
Support doesn’t stop at the table. “Families and individuals also receive hygiene kits, winter coats, hats, and gloves through community efforts like Keep KELOLAND Warm, along with additional support through Project S.O.S.” says Jerke-Liesinger. These programs offer dignity, warmth, and practical relief when conditions make everyday life harder.
Together, these services create stability. A warm meal, clean essentials, and protection from the cold help families focus on staying healthy and together. Tamera goes on to say “Through every winter month and throughout the year, The Banquet remains a place of consistency, care, and quiet strength for families navigating lean seasons.”
