The Life is Delicious program has been a long-time staple in the Middle School division since its inception in 2011 with students preparing and cooking a hot, homemade meal for patrons at the Columbus House Shelter in New Haven. Students are also able to visit the shelter and serve the communal meal. 

 

The first group of student volunteers gathered in the Dining Hall along with faculty advisors Paulomi Aldo, Aidan Clark-Long, and David Sokoloff to begin preparation for the meal with the supervising guidance of past parent and program volunteer Christine Fontana. Mrs. Fontana advised the group on proper kitchen and cooking practices before the students were divided into groups for each meal component. The meal consisted of lasagna, chopped green salad, fruit salad, sliced bread, and chocolate cupcakes for dessert.

 

With their designated tasks, the students gloved up and quickly got to work with aid from the faculty advisors. One group was seamlessly assembling the lasagna trays with pasta sheets, meat, sauce, and ricotta as other groups peeled, chopped, and assembled fruit and vegetables for both the green salad and fruit salad. Math teacher John Scaife and music teacher Sarah Reed were also on hand to help the students. Four student volunteers headed into the kitchen to bake and frost the cupcakes.

 

Once the meal was packaged and ready to go, a select group of students and Mr. Christman traveled to the shelter to serve the meal. The students included eighth graders Russell Clune, Gabi Pereira, Leo Spiegel, Kevin Tang, and Zuleika Wood along with seventh graders Isabelle Fisayo and Max

Borelli.

 

“Thanks for everyone’s help in the cafe with Life is Delicious, and it was a great first session,” said Middle School Director Brian Christman.

 

The next session dates for Life is Delicious are January 30, February 27, and March 27. Mr. Christman noted that it's essential for all students to develop a commitment to supporting the people and programs in their local community, and partaking in the Life is Delicious program is a great way to get involved in a meaningful and active way.