Food from the heart: These young Green Bay East High School chefs prepare 25 meals for families in need
GREEN BAY ― East High's culinary classroom was filled with laughter, cheese, marinara sauce and, of course, more cheese, Thursday morning as students prepared 25 lasagnas from scratch for the school's families needing food support.
With the support of the Green Bay West Rotary Club and East High School alumnus Bruce Deadman, about 24 culinary students prepared noodles and, layer after layer, assembled the lasagnas.
The meals will be distributed through the school's Eats for East meal program. It provides grocery items and entire meals for unaccompanied youth, homeless students and families in need.
About 76% of East students are considered economically disadvantaged, according to the Department of Public Instruction's school report card for 2020-21.
"It's really cool to have the kids building something and then being able to give it back to the kids in the building," said culinary teacher Bailey Morse. "They are so excited about this ... I love giving kids a say in what they're doing, and that they actually care enough to make a good lasagna for their fellow classmates is really cool, as well."
Students plan to prepare meals for the program three more times throughout the year.
Sophomore Kayonna Williams said the Culinary 2 class is her favorite. She hopes to be a chef one day because, she said, she's good at making sauces.
"I love this class," she said. "It's a win-win. I can enjoy doing something and still have someone feel the same thing as I feel (by giving back)."
"We're so happy that our students are doing this for probably for the same students here. Families know that they will benefit," said María Abundiz Campos, who works to connect students and families to Eats for East as the school's bilingual social worker.
Members of the Rotary club jumped in the assembly line with students, layering noodles and sauce during class.
"Our Rotary club's focus is youth," said member Tina Ferron. "To be able to give back in this way, for them to be able to make an impact in the community, is awesome."
The culinary program at East has three levels and introduces students to all facets of cooking, from sauces and soups to planning menus and controlling costs.
"There are many ways kids can create a future for themselves, and this program is one of those ways that they can use these skills to work in a lot of different places," said Terry Bush, a Rotary club member.
To donate to Eats for East or if your East High student could benefit from the program, visit the schools "About" page at east.gbaps.org/.
Danielle DuClos is a Report for America corps member who covers K-12 education for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at dduclos@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @danielle_duclos. You can directly support her work with a tax-deductible donation at GreenBayPressGazette.com/RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Green Bay Press Gazette Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Dr, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: These young East High chefs made 25 scratch meals for local families
