Sigma Gamma Rho and University Board will host “Food for the Soul” dinners at 4:22 p.m. Sunday in the Cultural Center.

“Food for the Soul” is a fundraising event the sorority does annually to raise money for the Eastern chapter.

Regime Billingsly, vice president of Sigma Gamma Rho, said soul food is a way to express African American culture.

“It’s food that is just plain good for your soul,” Billingsly said.

The sorority will have fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens and spaghetti, which is known as ‘soul food.’

JaLisa Smith, president of Sigma Gamma Rho, and other members will prepare the food from scratch and have that home-cooked meal feel.

“We will have macaroni and cheese, not Velveeta, actually cheese,” Smith said.

This year there will be to-go trays for people who are in a rush, but Smith encourages people to stay and visit others.

“We want people to stay in fellowship, talk with others and eat their meal,” Smith said.

The dinner has no end time because they will serve food until it is all gone. The sorority plans to cook enough for 250 people.

Darius Francis, chairman of University Board, said it is important for people to attend this event because ‘soul food’ is deeply embedded in the culture.

“Everyone is welcome,” Francis said. “If you have never had soul food, you will be in for a serious treat.”

The sorority said students, faculty, staff and community members are all invited to the event.

“Even if you come and you decided that you don’t like the food, just still come out and hang with us,” Smith said.

The main meal will cost $5 a plate and $6 for the main meal, two desserts and a drink.

Cayla Maurer can be reached at 581-2812 or ccmaurer@eiu.edu.