By: T’Neil Gooden
Ingersoll 5129 was filled with student volunteers assembling to meal prep a variety of dishes for Brooklyn College (BC) students with BC’s Public Health and Medicine (PHAM) club on Sept. 9th. Students were greeted with hair nets, aprons, and gloves to begin their cooking journey for the community fridge located right beside the room.
“This event is important for BC students to know about because the NourishBC community fridge falls under a category of free resources that not many people know about,” said Natalie Wu, President of the BCPHAM. “It is important that individuals, whether students or BC community members, come together for a good cause- feeding the campus.”
The room’s setup provided tables for students, with space to prepare and preserve different foods.
“I personally love to cook. I was able to cut the chicken that was being used for the recipe, and at home, I have been practicing my knife skills, so it was a cool experience to put them into use outside of my kitchen at home,” said Karina Fernandez-Saito, a senior at BC.
Students not only helped to chop and clean produce, but they also had the chance to cook the food they had prepared for the fridge, which all students at BC can get food from.
“My favorite part of the event was getting to see the process of cooking during the meal prep, which I was not expecting,” said Proma Bhattacharjee, a senior at BC. “I was expecting to help with packaging snacks, but not actually getting to help in making food. So I thought this was very cool because it also helps you learn how to make recipes.”
The ingredients used were all sourced and used from within the BC community.
“Our ingredients for produce come from a variety of sources. This includes the campus’s very own food pantry located in the Student Center. We also receive generous donations brought by volunteers or ourselves,” Wu told The Vanguard.
Students used this event for both volunteer hours and a learning experience. Many students were hesitant but open to this meal prepping event because it exposed a new level of understanding cuisines.
“I think every student would have a great time volunteering at the kitchen. Even if they don’t like to cook, it’s a great time to learn how to operate in a kitchen alongside helpful people, while also positively contributing to the community at Brooklyn College,” Fernandez-Saito told The Vanguard.
The community fridge will be stocked weekly with meals created for students and by students.
“Running an initiative that includes feeding the campus is one thing, but ultimately, the community fridge allows individuals to connect with one another on what we all love — food. I enjoy having newcomers and friends join us in the food lab. Everyone is always meeting someone new, and it’s a guaranteed good time,” said Wu.
The meal prep event built community and connection between students and the faculty at BC.
“Students should be interested in these events because you can gain experience that you may find valuable. Whether that’s trying to expand your involvement in the school or simply trying to learn about meal prepping, which is also helpful since you can practice being in the kitchen,” Bhattacharjee told The Vanguard.
Student volunteers had the entire cooking experience, from washing and cutting to cooking and cleaning in the food lab. The students not only gained new experiences, but they also learned about the ups and downs of food and communication at BC.
“I would say if you’re a student who’s nervous about joining the event, give it a chance because you may find yourself enjoying it and having fun,” Bhattacharjee told The Vanguard. “You would be doing something good for others and making a positive impact, and may make new friends too. Even if you’re not able to join every time, I think it’s a cool way to spend your time if you have the free time.”
BCPHAM Club has more opportunities for students to either volunteer or begin a new craft that they have never tried before.
Wu told the Vanguard, “Outside of the NourishBC Community Fridge, we are a pre-health-oriented club, so expect more kinds of events this semester. We encourage everyone to get involved, whether that be volunteering or giving us feedback on what you want to see from us this semester! All majors are welcome in PHaM.”
Students interested in BCPHAM can visit their Instagram @bc.phamclub.