Rossco's Pub owner Ross Beach and Root Cellar executive director Melissa Mullis with the 350 turkey dinners. Submitted Photo

By Jesse Gill

IN THE COMMUNITY

Video: Medicine Hat pub Rossco’s helps Root Cellar to provide turkey meals to those in need at Christmas

Dec 16, 2025 | 1:22 PM

The annual tradition of a Medicine Hat pub supporting the local food bank by preparing pre-packaged turkey meals continued on Monday, Dec. 15.

Rossco’s has prepared the turkeys and fixings for the Root Cellar to distribute to those in need at Christmas time since 2016.

A total of 350 turkey dinners were provided this year.

Efforts included Rossco’s staff cooking six turkeys at a time, every four hours since Thursday, to have them ready for the assembly process on Monday.

Seven individuals assembled the meals during the morning for the Root Cellar to pick up and store in their facility.

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Rossco’s owner, Ross Beach, said they partner with local grocery stores to help bring the turkeys and frozen vegetables in.

“It all started way back when we got these large turkeys, and we never knew how we could utilize this to get [it to] more people,” Beach said.

“I can make that 30-pound turkey into 15 meals. And all of a sudden every year, we seem to get more and more, and we build it up,” he added.

“It’s a really good feeling to always give back to the community. And it just warms my heart that I’m able to be part of the partners here and make sure that everybody at Christmas time can have a turkey dinner.”

Root Cellar executive director Melissa Mullis said they are thankful for the support from Ross and his team.

“These meals mean so much to the people we serve, and we know many individuals truly look forward to them each year,” Mullis said.

“Having community partners step up in this way allows us to ensure everyone has the chance to enjoy a traditional Christmas meal, and that kind of support makes a real difference.”

Beach says that every year, they have people who want to help.

“I wish I could have more, but more hands make more confusion. We’ve got it down pat on our assembly line. I’ve got a great team of guys that have really helped pull through to make sure that we can do this today,” Beach said on Monday.

“It’s been a team effort, and they’re on board with helping support the community. Rossco’s is always trying to give back to the community,” he added.

“This time of year, a lot of folks don’t have the ability to have a turkey dinner, and just something that warms my heart. I think it’s something that I hope other people can do something different or similar to give back.”