Business Details
41 Years
experience
Welcome to The Banquet - Nourishing Community Since 1985
The Banquet has been nourishing the Sioux Falls community since 1985, dedicated to creating a welcoming space where individuals can gather, receive nourishment, and experience love in action. Founded as a volunteer-based ministry, we serve 16 meals weekly across two locations, relying entirely on volunteer groups to prepare and serve meals. Our mission extends beyond food provision, fostering community through fellowship and partnerships that address hunger and support families in need.In 2020 alone, we served over 200,000 meals, including 25,000 to children under 12, while maintaining transparency through financial accountability and community oversight. Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers ensures operational efficiency, with programs like Project SOS addressing school supply gaps for students in need.
Services
Meal Service
Volunteer Programs
Donation Initiatives
Project SOS
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have served Sioux Falls communities since 1985 with consistent meal programs.
- Our volunteer-based model engages local groups in direct community service.
- We serve 16 meals weekly across two locations with transparent operations.
- Project SOS provides school supplies to thousands of children annually.
- Our team includes experienced directors managing food distribution and partnerships.
What people say
Blessing to my family
Appreciate volunteer opportunities
Critical community resource
Well-organized programs
Positive family experience
Services
Meal Service
The Banquet provides free meals through volunteer-led efforts at two Sioux Falls locations. Our program serves breakfast, lunch, and supper options to address food insecurity. With 16 weekly meals, we prioritize accessibility for all community members regardless of background.
Volunteer Programs
Groups and individuals can prepare and serve meals or participate in special projects like Project SOS. Our volunteer-based model engages local organizations in direct community service. Training and support are provided for all volunteer activities.
Project SOS
This initiative distributes backpacks and school supplies to children in need annually. Volunteers collect donations and assemble kits based on grade-specific requirements. The program serves hundreds of students through community partnerships and corporate sponsorships.
Donation Initiatives
Monetary and in-kind donations sustain our meal programs and special projects. Donors receive tax receipts for contributions, with specific campaigns addressing seasonal needs like Thanksgiving meals and winter supplies.
Community Events
Annual events like the Thanksgiving Fun Run generate awareness and resources for meal programs. These activities engage the public through participatory fundraising while supporting core operations.
People
Tamera Jerke-Liesinger
Executive Director
Leading The Banquet since 2015, Tamera oversees strategic operations and community partnerships. With 20+ years in nonprofit leadership, she connects local resources to hunger relief efforts while managing daily operations.
Bob Lamont
Development & Marketing Director
Bob manages donor relations and promotional campaigns for The Banquet. His background in nonprofit marketing helps expand community awareness and engagement with meal programs and volunteer opportunities.
Brian Majerus
Community Partnership Coordinator
Brian develops collaborations with local organizations to enhance meal distribution and volunteer recruitment. He facilitates connections between businesses, faith groups, and The Banquet's service initiatives.
Mary Hays Reichelt
Special Events Coordinator
Mary organizes annual fundraising events and manages Project SOS logistics. Her event planning expertise ensures successful community engagement through activities like the Thanksgiving Fun Run.
Shiloh Oorlog
Finance Manager
Shiloh oversees financial operations and donor recordkeeping for The Banquet. With accounting experience in nonprofit sectors, she maintains fiscal transparency and compliance with donation management.
Questions
How can my group volunteer to serve a meal?
Visit our website to view open dates and register for meal service opportunities at either Sioux Falls location.
What are The Banquet's meal times?
Downtown location serves breakfast 7-8 AM, supper 6-7:30 PM Mon-Fri, and Saturday lunch 11:30 AM-12:30 PM. West location serves supper 6-7:30 PM Mon-Fri.
How does Project SOS help students?
Project SOS provides backpacks with grade-specific school supplies to Sioux Falls students through annual distribution events in August.
Can I donate food or supplies?
Yes, we accept food donations and school supplies year-round at our Downtown location during business hours.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Sioux Falls residents with meal programs and community initiatives extending to surrounding communities.
How are donations used?
100% of donations directly support meal programs, Project SOS, and community initiatives addressing hunger and educational needs.
