A partnership between Southeast Community College and Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (mtko.org) is giving culinary students hands-on experience while helping prepare nutritious meals for people experiencing food insecurity in Lincoln.
Students in Chef Abby Hoch’s Culinary/Hospitality Management classes put their skills to work in the Matt Talbot kitchen, using ingredients available that day such as donated produce,
proteins and other items, to prepare complete meals that serve 150-175 guests.
“For students, it provides an engaging opportunity to step outside of the classroom labs and showcase their skills and talents,” said Chef Abby. “Through this experience, they recognize the value of using their abilities to positively impact the community.”
The partnership also provides a valuable benefit to Matt Talbot and its guests.
“We love the creativity and enthusiasm the SCC students bring into our kitchen,” said Alynn Sampson, Matt Talbot’s Executive Director. “Their ability to take the ingredients we have on hand and turn them into delicious, nutritious meals helps us stretch our food budget while providing a real treat for our guests.”
The experience gives students an opportunity to put their culinary and hospitality skills into practice while learning firsthand how creativity, flexibility and teamwork can make a difference in the community.
Matt Talbot serves lunch and dinner 365 days a year and operates as a day shelter Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with extended hours during heat advisories. Guests can access meals, showers, laundry, mail services and connections to housing, substance use treatment and other supportive services.
Matt Talbot’s Fresh Choice Pantry provides free groceries to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. The pantry is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1–3 p.m. and
Thursdays from 5–6:30 p.m.
Learn more at mtko.org.