On days when they cook for class, Senior High students in Food & Nutrition, Sports Nutrition and Life 101 usually get to enjoy their own culinary creations. But today, students worked with extra care and attention to prepare 50 meals they will never taste. By the end of the day, each class will have helped create a comforting dinner of baked pizza pasta, garden salads with homemade dressing, and German apple cake—meals that will be shared with those sheltered by Safe Berks, an organization that provides emergency housing and services to individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.

Typically, the Family & Consumer Science Department doesn’t have the funds to purchase ingredients for a project of this size. But thanks to the generosity of NorthStar United Methodist Church, who saw a post about this initiative last year and offered to sponsor it this semester, the students were able to continue this meaningful effort. Their support was deeply appreciated by the department’s three Family & Consumer Science teachers, who oversee the multi-class project.

“Partnering with Safe Berks has been an incredibly meaningful experience for our department and students,” said Ms. Courtney Preston, reflecting on the project that began nearly two years ago. “From the very beginning, students learn the purpose behind our cooking project, and you can see a visible change in their attitudes and expressions as they recognize the impact their efforts will have on the women and children of Safe Berks. That sense of purpose and connection is something that will never lose its significance.”

Our heartfelt thanks go to NorthStar United Methodist Church, as well as to the organizers of Hackaway at Hunger and Poverty, an Exeter-based group that created the initiative and continues to transport the meals from Exeter to Safe Berks.

The Family & Consumer Science Department hopes to find a new sponsor to continue the project each semester. If you’re interested in supporting this meaningful tradition, please contact Mrs. Anne Thomas at amthomas@exetersd.org for more information.