How College Students Can Be Agents of Change One Voice, One Vote
TribalCelebratingDiversity
Exploring the Rich Culture of Indigenous Cultures
Cranberry Crush
Navigating the Superpowers of the Mighty Berry
Meal for Every Table
Making a Difference Through Food Donations
Tackling the Fight Against Food Insecurity
At this point, we’re approaching miles 7-9, fatigue may be starting to creep in, and burnout feels all too real. But fear not! This month, we’re spotlighting the power of community—a key ingredient in the marathon of life. Community provides the support and encouragement we need, recognizing that while our paths may differ, there’s strength in our unity and mutual support. Just like runners draw inspiration from their fellow athletes, we, too, find resilience in the camaraderie of those around us. Learning to run alongside others is crucial for personal and professional growth. In November, let’s celebrate the joy of shared meals, the beauty of friendships, and the strength of teamwork. Remember, in this race, no one has to go it alone.
Be mindful of our plant-based friends this holiday season by transforming your favorite Thanksgiving dishes into plant-based delights without sacrificing flavor. This month, we focus on inclusivity and teach guests how to substitute dairy and animal by-products with environmentally friendly alternatives.
Cranberries are a staple this time of year, but it is also a superfood that aids in the prevention of anti-inflammatory disease, and support your urinary tract, stomach, and heart.
Support local food banks and charities by donating non-perishable unopened food in your dorm or apartment to reduce food waste and help those in need.
You’re running your Luxeathon™ in a big pack. That doesn’t mean every individual isn’t important. Just like every step wins a marathon, every vote wins an election. November is when we elect our country’s representatives, the perfect opportunity to harness the power of voting. Whether this is your first election season or 50th, it’s confusing out there! Let’s explore the benefits of voting and clear up a few voting misconceptions.
Voting is a civic duty. What does that mean? A vote can decide who represents you and what issues are valued most for your country, state, or county. Each vote shapes the direction of government policies and decisions.
Imagine a few things that would make your town an even better place to live. It may be more school funding, infrastructure repair, transportation services, or safety implementation. You can make that image a reality! A community can only be as strong as its voters. By choosing politicians that echo your desires for local change, you are shaping your town into a better place.
Voting can be a low priority for a lot of people, especially when “life is life-ing”. Your personal life may keep you busy with stress, financial difficulties, or health complications. At times like these, it’s important to remember that voting is your personal life. The political candidates you choose will affect policies that hit close to home. How your tax dollars are spent, your access to healthcare, and even your job security are decided by the politicians put in charge. And who chooses these politicians? It’s all up to the American people!
Deciding who’s put in power should be up to every American, not just a handful. A study by the Pew Research Center found the demographics voting the most are older people (66%) and high-income adults (60%). Comparatively, demographics like lower-income adults (3%) and young people (11%) have the lowest voter turnout. Everyone deserves to decide what our country looks like. If you want better representation in government based on the issues that matter for your identity, let your voice be heard! Deciding to vote could shift the election from someone who won’t look out for you to someone who will.
How you vote now will affect our country for years to come. The issues behind the ballot are bigger than one person, they affect communities country-wide. By thinking carefully about who you vote for, you could create a future of compassion, autonomy, and equality. Right now, it’s more important than ever to advocate for who you want to run the country. Voting and encouraging others to vote is one of the most effective ways to express political concerns and create a cultural shift.
CAP! During the presidential election process, candidates compete state in primaries to win the support of their party members. The winner of the primaries determines who has the popularity to stay in the race. The candidate with the majority of votes becomes the President, but none of this can happen if they don’t get the votes they need in the primaries!
“SWINGS
FACT! A swing state or battleground state doesn’t have a trend of voting one way or the other. They can end up voting for majority Democratic or Republican candidates. Swing states could give either candidate a boost. If you live in Florida or Georgia, you’re a part of “the Big Five” most likely to decide the Electoral College! This makes a vote for your preferred candidate even more effective.
CAP, CAP, CAP. The November ballot is where you choose local and national leaders from sheriffs to judges. It also has referendums that allow you to vote on important legislation for your state. Depending on the state, you could decide infrastructure budgets, how the election process works, and countless other issues.
CAP! It does! Numerous elections came down to less than 0.1% of the total votes. In the 2000 presidential election, George W. Bush won Florida thanks to 537 votes. In 2006, Connecticut’s Congressional seat was won by Joe Courtney with 121,252 votes. In 2008 the US Senate race was decided by as few as 200 votes in Minnesota. Every single vote in these elections mattered.
“VOTING
CAP! It doesn’t have to be! You can register to vote by mail, or at Vote.gov. To find out where you can cast your ballot, look at your state’s official Department of Elections website. Want to know more about how your state and county’s elections are handled? Visit The National Conference of State Legislature website.
CAP! Ideologies and policies vary heavily between candidates. Sure, they all wear suits and start their speeches with “my fellow Americans”, but that’s where the similarities end. Watching candidate speeches and debates is helpful, but it’s important to focus on what candidates are doing, not saying. Try using your school’s library database to find non-biased info about a candidate’s history and what they’re doing for the country.
If you eat most meals alone, don’t feel bad, more than half of America is doing the same. The Luxeathon™ is a long journey, and it may feel like socializing will only slow you down. However, time with friends makes the way to the winner’s circle sweeter. Eating together is one of the best ways to get social. Here’s why mealtime conversations make for a happier and healthier Luxe Life™.
Coming out of your shell is hard, but a bit of social eating can turn you into the life of the party. According to a study by Oxford psychologist R.I.M., Social eaters become more trusting of others, more engaged with their local communities, and have more friends. Social eating helps us practice active listening and show genuine interest in stories shared. Engagement is considered one of the most likable traits a person can have. Becoming a more trusting and engaged individual makes building relationships easier, and more rewarding.
Think about the meals you enjoyed with family when you were young. Dinner time created memories, strengthened your bond, and helped you understand each other. Eating with peers has the same results! If you’re looking to break the ice with a classmate or coworker, invite them to lunch. It’ll give both of you the opportunity to laugh, share stories, and come out of your shells. By the end of the meal, you might even have a new pal!
Still think knocking out your to-do list during lunch is more important than eating with your bestie? Consider Social eating as more than just fun, because it can change your life for the better. Frequent social eaters feel happier and more satisfied with their lives.
“Talking during mealtimes boosts our endorphins and mood.”
It allows us to reflect on our day, relieving stress and increasing productivity. If you’re ready to create bonds, improve your mood, and expand your social circle, eat with a buddy! Remember to chat throughout the mealit’s eat with a friend, not a phone! You can even cook something together to double the fun. Why not plan a Friendsgiving potluck?
Those used to eating alone can start small and share a few social meals each week. To meet new people during mealtime, mingle with friendly foodies at Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality’s countess engagement events. At events like the Bubbles & Bundt Cakes Birthday Bash and Find your Tribe Day Party, you’ll find delicious food, awesome vibes, and kind new faces.
Every Luxeathoner™ is different, but we share a universal need to eat. There’s no better way to bring people together than over a meal! This November 25 is Eat with a Friend Day, so take the opportunity to share good eats, laughs, and stories. It’s as easy as asking, “Wanna grab something to eat?”
Indigenous culture- it’s not one size fits all! There are 547 active Indigenous nations throughout the U.S., all with unique traditions, histories, and ways of life. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many people research indigenous history. However, it is important to remember that indigenous tribes are still here, and they’re thriving. A tribe could be closer to you than you think! Let’s explore the indigenous nations across the states and near your college.
Mattaponi people have resided in eastern Virginia for thousands of years. Today, The Mattaponi ancestral techniques are more alive than ever. The Mattaponi people are notoriously skilled hunters and fishermen and still practice these pastimes today. To learn more about the Mattaponi nation, support them, and attend events, visit their official website.
Family is invaluable to the Lumbee nation. Even the most distant Lumbee relatives maintain a close bond. Faith is also important to the Lumbee way of life, and tribe members are active in Methodist and Baptist churches. The annual fall Powwow is one of their open parties, featuring the dance of the harvest moon.
The Mowa is a State-recognized Tribe located in southern Alabama. Mowa Nation operates a health clinic and museum of their heritage. They also host an annual Powwow featuring activities like stickball! To this day, the Mowa people still practice historic customs like handmade dressmaking and the “three sisters” gardening method.
The Lenape nation resides all throughout Pennsylvania. The tribe celebrates its prosperity with annual events for education like discussion panels, Unami dialect classes and exhibits. At art exhibits, you’ll find painted work depicting Meesing, an important figure in Lenape culture. This traditional art dates back hundreds of years! You can look at them on the Lenape Nation Website.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida owns the Hard Rock Cafe brand, making them a global leader in tourism. Clans are as close as real family, marriage between clan members is even taboo! Today, they’re a symbol of resilience and preservation of Seminole heritage.
The Choctaw
Times change, but culture remains ever important to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw People. They participate in time honored traditions like basketmaking. Choctaw baskets are made using swamp cane harvested from Mississippi creek banks. To support Choctaw basket weavers, the tribe hosts programs protecting swamp cane fields.
The Piscataway Nation Piscataway Nation are the Algonquian speaking indigenous bands of Maryland’s western shore. Piscataway love their community, especially the female leaders in charge of organizing events. The Piscataway people host events at Maryland State Park in association with Maryland Park Services. They use the parks for ceremonies, education, and interactive events. They even offer guided kayak trips to connect Marylanders with historical waters!
The Eastern Cherokee tribe’s mission is to preserve its heritage through bonding and education. They currently operate a museum, council grounds, and a learning center all open to visitors. There are seven Cherokee clans, each associated with specific animal symbols. Visit their website to learn about clans and the Eastern Cherokee lifestyle.
Explore the indigenous nations closest to you! State-recognized indigenous tribes typically have official websites. You can use these resources to learn about tribal customs, upcoming public events, and donation opportunities. Why not spread the word about a local tribe, or attend none of their events with a friend? Keeping tradition alive through education is important to so many local tribes. You can support Indigenous people by signing petitions to raise awareness for Indigenous causes. May 5th is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Take this day as an opportunity to spread the word online using the hashtag #NationalDayofAwareness and wear red to show your support. To highlight local artisans, you can shop at an Indigenous-owned small business online or near you.
Running a Luxeathon™ really tires you out. To spice things up with bold taste and nutrition, there “cran” only be one option. For this month’s Endurance Eats, we’ve got a cranberry crush, and we want you to join us. Here’s some info about the mighty cranberry that will leave you feeling the same way.
Cranberries have a delectable tart flavor profile with just a touch of sweetness. The complexity allows them to blend seamlessly into savory and sweet dishes. Cranberries are a fabulous mix-in that will level up your favorite food. They can be added to cookies, muffins, or trail mix for a burst of flavor in every bite. Try them as a salad garnish or infuse your water with a refreshing tang. Cranberries can even be blended into a sauce for Thanksgiving turkey!
If you’re not a fan of fresh cranberries, there are other ways to try them. They can be turned into juice, dried, and condensed into jelly. Each option provides a unique “cran-tastic” experience. Dried cranberries are a healthy snack with a satisfying chewy texture. A crisp sip of cranberry juice is the perfect way to stay hydrated and boost nutrition. Cranberry jelly makes a sweet but tart topping that will balance your favorite savory dish.
Cranberries are super tasty, and a literal superfood. Full of fiber, they’ll give you steady energy and promote gut health. They have antioxidants that boost brainpower, stop tooth decay, and regulate cholesterol. The plant compounds in cranberries adjust our immunity to ward off colds and flu. Cranberries are an excellent source of vitamins C vitamin E and iron. These immune-supportive nutrients keep our metabolism, nervous system, and cardiovascular system running smoothly.
If you want to hold onto that youthful glow, add cranberries to your diet! They contain pro-anthocyanidins, an antioxidant that protects skin from UV damage and preserves collagen. The carotenoids in cranberries promote heart, vision, and immune health. Cranberries even prevent cognitive decline, so eating them regularly will have you practically aging backwards.
Cranberries are more than just a great word for making puns, adding them to your diet can make you look and feel inCRANable. If you want to experience the fab flavor of the mighty cranberry, start simple with the cranberry sauce at this month’s Luxegiving: Race to the Community Table event. Explore cranberries to stay running at full power long after the Luxeathon™ ends.
STUFFED!
How to make Vegetarian Stuffed Poblano Peppers
From the Track
Turkey Tales
Wellness Momentum
The Swap”Meat” Game
Sustainable Style
Soulful Service
Hot Topics
Stop The Stigma: Helping Battle Food Insecurity
Food is the key to leading a Luxe Life™. It gives us energy, focus, and joy. Unfortunately, it’s a privilege for many Americans. 44 million people in the U.S. experience food insecurity annually. An official United States Department of Agriculture term, food insecurity refers to those who don’t have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from. No one deserves to go hungry. Let’s learn about food insecurity, and how to give and receive help.
Hunger can affect people from all walks of life. Millions of Americans are just a layoff or missed paycheck away; the circumstances vary. Those living in rural areas have fewer economic opportunities and a higher cost of living, making them likely to experience food insecurity. According to Feeding America, 8 out of 10 high food insecurity counties are in the South. Because of low wages and difficulty finding jobs post-deployment, veterans often can’t afford the food they need. In 2021, over 5 million seniors went hungry, vulnerable due to limited income, medical, and family expenses. People of color are the most vulnerable to hunger in the U.S. A study by Feeding America discovered that Latinx, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, and Black backgrounds faced 80% of U.S. food insecurity. Recent immigrants from Asian or Pacific Island nations also face particularly high rates. This is no coincidence; the statistics stem from a long history of social and economic oppression. To see the full scope of racism driving food insecurity, visit the Feeding America interactive map.
Advocating for policies that reduce food waste, and modernizing benefits for victims could end food insecurity. Try contacting local and national government representatives about the issue. Doing so will display that policy changes are a community priority. You can make a big difference by volunteering with food banks, co-ops, and mutual aid networks. Check out the next article to find a food bank or donation place near you.
There’s no shame in accepting help. If you’re suffering right now, federal food assistance programs can assist you. Plans can be catered towards women, seniors, and other demographics. Visit Feeding America to find a plan right for you. You can use the Feeding America search engine to find a nearby food bank. Humans need food. Without enough, we have difficulty concentrating, low energy, and illness. A lack of nutrition can lead to diabetes, cancer, disease, and even a stroke. The epidemic of hunger may be closer than you think. Spread awareness about the food insecurity in, advocate for policy.
Being a vegan is a fabulous way to prioritize your health and the environment. It can reduce methane production, animal cruelty and even the risk of cancer. While the benefits are great, veganism makes holidays tricky. You may be craving the Thanksgiving classics, but very few are plant-based. Here’s some ways to keep Thanksgiving vegan
Vegetable dishes seem like the safe option for a vegan on Thanksgiving. However, sides like brussels sprouts, potatoes, and collard greens often contain butter or bacon grease that goes undetected. Make your favorite veggie side plant-based with olive oil or vegan butter. These ingredients enhance taste and soften veggies the same way butter does. Elevate your dish by adding plant-based seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. For more inspiration, watch this month’s Luxe Lab™ where we will be making Vegetarian Stuffed Poblano Peppers.
Side dishes are one of the best parts of Thanksgiving, but they’re usually brimming with meat and dairy! Add thickness to stuffing without the meat using vegetable broth. For creamy mac and cheese, use plant-based cheeses and flour instead of dairy. To give the mac that sharp cheesiness, mix in blended cashews, nutritional yeast, or tahini. Most pasta contains eggs, so ensure the one you use in your mac is vegan.
Gravy is a perfect way to boost the moisture and taste of any meal. Don’t miss out on it! You can prepare a tasty vegan gravy using ingredients like vegetable broth, mushrooms, and onions. The mushrooms will provide an earthy note that perfectly imitates meat-based gravy.
Is it really Thanksgiving without turkey? It can be! Try using plant-based ingredients like tofu, portabella mushrooms, miso paste and seasonings in your very own tofurkey. These ingredients have the rich earthy quality needed for replicating turkey.
Thanksgiving is a holiday for good eats and good company, but diabetes could spoil the fun. In the U.S., about 124.8 million adults have pre-diabetes, and there are countless others with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who don’t even know it. For those with diabetes or looking to prevent it, Thanksgiving gets complicated. How can you avoid trigger foods on a holiday built around decadent treats? Don’t worry, no one’s giving up dessert this year! Let’s learn about diabetes and make a few swaps to keep things deliciously diabetic-friendly.
How does Diabetes Happen? Diabetes happens when the glucose levels in someone’s blood are too high. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy, but diabetes makes more glucose than could ever be absorbed. The disease damages blood vessels, nerves, kidneys eyes, and feet. The damage can be debilitating and even lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Anyone can get type 2 diabetes. However, people who are 45 or older, have a family history of diabetes, or are overweight/obese are more likely to contract Diabetes. It’s more common in people who are African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander. If you fall into any of these demographics, it’s important to take the proper steps to maintain normal glucose levels and stave off diabetes. To learn other diabetes risk factors, visit the American Heart Association.
The effects of diabetes are severe, but preventable. Many patients take insulin, a hormone that makes it easier for glucose to turn into energy. In addition to routine doctor care, several lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the risk of getting diabetes, as well as diabetes effects. Avoiding foods with ingredients high in glucose, such as sugar, simple carbs, and fat can keep blood sugar down. Routine exercise can make the insulin in your body better at turning glucose into energy. If you or a loved one has diabetes, it’s important to recognize when a glucose spike is happening and take immediate action. To learn about the symptoms of glucose spike, visit Diabetes.org
To make your favorite Thanksgiving dessert safe for diabetes and prediabetes, you’ll want to avoid glucosehigh ingredients like sugar, milk, cream, and butter. Baking without these key ingredients gets tricky! Here are simple swaps to turn grandma’s world-famous apple pie recipe into a diabetes-friendly dream.
• STEVIA: This natural sweetener works just like sugar, without the glucose spike. Use the same amount of stevia as you would sugar for a sweet treat that doesn’t affect blood sugar levels.
• MONK FRUIT SWEETENER: Made from Monk Fruit, this is another natural sweetener to keep glucose down. For every cup of sugar in your recipe, substitute for ½ cup of monk fruit sweetener
• VEGETABLE/FRUIT PUREE: If you want extra nutrients, moisture and sweetness in your recipes, purees like pumpkin, banana and sweet potato are the way to go! Use the same amount of puree as you would sugar for a naturally nutritious treat.
• ALMOND FLOUR: Almond flour is low in simple carbs, so no glucose spike. It’s full of healthy fats to keep diabetes symptoms down. Swap flour for almond flour for a dessert with subtle nuttiness and a healthy twist.
• COCONUT FLOUR: High fiber, low carb baking with a tropical twist. You can use 1/3 cup of coconut flour for every 1 cup of regular flour.
• WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR: Whole wheat flour gives your favorite flavors a nutritional boost. Best of all, you can use it exactly as you would regular flour.
• ROLLED OATS: They’ve got flavor, and fiber! Mix rolled oats in your cookies for a heart healthy dessert.
• CHIA SEEDS: Chia seeds contain fiber and good fats, making them another tasty and diabetic-safe mix in.
• COCONUT OIL: Coconut Oil has medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) known to improve the body’s insulin absorption. Use it to replace butter with a one-to-one ratio. Don’t worry, it won’t taste like coconut!
• AVOCADO OIL: Rich in monounsaturated fats, this oil works as a one-to-one ratio oil replacement.
• APPLE SAUCE: Sugar free Apple sauce works as a perfect low fat binding ingredient in any recipe. Use equal amounts apple sauce to replace butter or oil.
• UNSWEETENED ALMOND MILK OR COCONUT MILK: Almond milk and coconut milk are both low carb alternatives that work as one-to-one milk substitute
• GREEK YOGURT OR COTTAGE CHEESE: Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese will give your dessert the same moisture and tang as sour cream, with triple the protein!
• FAT FREE VERSIONS: Use fat free version of your recipe’s dairy product to ward off a glucose spike.
If you’d rather not make swaps, try diabetes friendly desserts like fruit or sorbet. You can also half your recipes and portions to lower glucose!
Working at a food bank is incredibly rewarding and has a huge impact. When you volunteer or donate, you protect someone from hunger! Want to end food insecurity in your community? Starting is easy as clicking a link. Check out the list below to find a food bank in your state and close to your school.
• Hampton University- Virginia Peninsula Foodbank - You can get help out the Virginia Peninsula food bank by donating, volunteering as donation quality control or participating in one of their many food drives.
• Norfolk State University- Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia - Working with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, you can volunteer to package goods, and even host your own food drive.
• Virginia State University and Virginia Union University- Feed More - Join Feed More and over 320 community partners in donating funds, food and time to end local food insecurity!
• Coahoma Community College- Mid-South Food Bank - Mid-South Food Bank is determined to end hunger in the Mid-South community. Join them and find which of their many volunteer positions is perfect for you.
• Mississippi Valley State University and Tougaloo College- Mississippi Food Network- Mississippi Food Network provides tons of ways to help like donation, food drives and volunteering.
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Coppin State UniversityMaryland Food BankThe Maryland food Bank works to end food insecurity by expanding access and creating paths out of hunger. Join their fight and volunteer today!
• Talladega College- Community Food Bank of Central Alabama - The Community Food Bank served 25.3 million pounds of food in 2023. Help them reach this goal again through volunteering and donation!
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Coppin State University- Maryland Food Bank Maryland food Bank works to end food insecurity by expanding food access and creating paths out of hunger. Join their fight and volunteer today!
• Paine College- Golden Harvest Food Bank - With Golden Harvest Food Bank, you can host a food drive, sort donations and even work on farming nutritious food for those in need.
Feeding South Florida provides volunteer
Protect Food Security in Pennsylvania · Lincoln University- Philabundance - Use
Shaw University- Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina - Use the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina website to schedule volunteer hours and sign up for food insecurity newsletters.
To learn more about the ways to give back to your community and end food insecurity, tune into this week's episode of Luxeathon
Marketing Contacts
Daniela-Gabrielle Smallwood, Vice President of Marketing and Programming
daniela.smallwood@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 446–7430
Stacey Gibson, Director of Retail Marketing
stacey.gibson@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 524–8566
Editorial Staff
Gina Godwin, Creative Director
Yolanda Waters, Chief Editor
Heaven Smallwood, Editor
Jacquii A. Tilley, Contributing Writer
Joellen Allah-Mensah, Graphic Designer