By SAVANNAH TOREBKA
Staff Writer
Students poured in through the front door of the main lounge in the EAC to taste test their share of mac and cheese recipes and cast votes for their favorite as part of the Mac and Cheese Cook-off to benefit St. Vincent’s Pantry. The event was hosted by the Office of Spiritual Life as part of its Heritage and Justice Week.
The week was designated to honor those in need–of food, money, and representation. “Our big goal is that people end up signing letters to our elected officials about food insecurity,” said Joan Horgan, director of the Office of Spiritual Life. “Being able to increase the benefits that so many people need when it comes to having stable food supply is so important, and by raising money here and having some fun it brings us closer to that goal.”
The spirit of togetherness was felt throughout the room. Students were not only excited to taste the mac and cheeses, but also to be a part of the campus community. “As a commuter student I live a very quiet life, so it was great to come here, taste all the mac and cheeses, and be with my friends. This was so much fun,” said senior Joy Duff. “Everything tasted so good–I’m so happy I decided to come,” said freshman Allison Jeffery.
There were four groups competing in the cook-off with their recipes. Cook one was Alejandra Morillo-Guzman from the Office of Residence Life, cook two was student Lamiya Farid, Natalie Hoyt and Shelbie Jenkins worked together to form group three, and group four consisted of Carli McNab and her friends from Lima Hall. The dining hall staff also contributed with a gluten-free option.
President Marcia White attended the event as well, sampling all of the offerings. “Events like this are really what keep the message of the sisters that started this school alive. Bringing people together and giving back to our community is what it’s all about,” she said. “I think they would be proud to see what we are doing here tonight.”
The competition lasted for about two hours, and concluded with all those participating casting votes for which dish was their favorite. After calculating the results, it was a tie between groups one and two for first place. “It was a very close competition, and we had a lot of very good mac and cheese. Everyone should feel very proud,” said Niamaya Canady from the Office of Spiritual Life.
The competing groups all received boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese adorned with ribbons and spoons attached. The results were read off and met with loud applause. “I could not have asked for a better outcome,” Horgan said as the event finished.
To become more involved in giving back to the campus community or to find new ways to volunteer, reach out to the Office of Spiritual Life through Joan Horgan or Niamaya Canady.
