Martin Dudek and the Holy Cross dining team

Martin Dudek is the Senior Associate Director of Dining at the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. It’s a small, Jesuit institution whose mission is to be of service to the poor and disenfranchised, and collaboration is at the heart of that mission. So, it comes as no surprise that Martin and the rest of the dedicated dining staff work tirelessly in a variety of ways, hand-in-hand with local organizations to feed, help lives and create a more sustainable future.

The organizations and causes they collaborate with are numerous and astounding. For starters, they work with local shelters and food pantries to coordinate can drives and food donations. Beneficiaries include the Worcester County Food Bank, Community Servings and the Wellington House, an organization that provides access to low-income housing. But that’s just the beginning.

They purchase organic fruit and vegetables for their menus from the Dismas House, an organization whose mission is to reconcile former prisoners to society. They cater the annual Slow Food Gala for Worcester Regional Environmental Council, crafting a menu sourced entirely from local farms, suppliers and even a youth garden. They work with Worcester Public Schools to serve a Thanksgiving dinner at a local elementary school. They provide fundraising opportunities to local organizations in exchange for working the college’s concession stands. And they even provide employment opportunities to special-needs adults.

Martin and the Holy Cross dining team’s generosity, caring and outreach demonstrate their commitment to being a contributing member of the community. It’s an impressive example of what can happen when organizations work together for the betterment of all. And it shows how lives can be positively impacted when people put their missions into action. 

If you’d like to learn more about the community efforts of Martin and the Holy Cross dining team, visit their website.