Jones College’s food service partner, Sodexo, kicked off a district-wide “Cooking for a Cause” competition as part of Hunger Action Month. In addition to having fun spotlighting Food Insecurity amongst college students, funds were raised to support the college’s food pantry. Jones College’s Chef, Andy Wu and East Mississippi Community College’s Chef, Dwayne Brown were each asked to pick three items from a list of common food pantry items and create a dish. Chef Wu prepared a creamy corn sauce over salmon croquettes and smoked gouda cheese grits with honey bun bread pudding for dessert while Chef Brown fixed chicken and sausage jambalaya and a strawberry and blueberry cobbler. Jones College cafeteria patrons voted decisively, 105 to 27 for Chef Wu’s creation.
“I really love the flavor and the meat in the jambalaya was really good and the salmon croquette patty tasted really good too,” shared freshman Addy Shorter from Oxford.
A lot of students had a hard time voting between the two meals but there was no doubt everyone enjoyed their lunch in the cafeteria while also learning about resources on campus to ease hunger.
“So, this was actually pretty neat having a cooking competition. I didn't know what to expect from either chef, but they were both really good meals,” said sophomore from Magee, Daniel Baldwin. “A lot of people don't know what’s going on outside of their own personal ‘bubbles’ sometimes. I think this is also good for raising awareness and it’s a creative way to do it because I mean, everyone likes to eat here at Jones.”
Besides bragging rights and a small trophy, Jones College’s Chef, Andy Wu took home the trophy for Best Meal created from items found in the Bobcat Food Pantry and voted on by patrons. The JC food service, Sodexo, also donated 300 meal vouchers and $300 in food to the Bobcat Food Pantry.
“Food insecurity is a big issue that affects a lot of college students, and it’s only gotten worse since the COVID Pandemic, so we want to bring awareness not only to the students, but also to let them know about the resources that are available to them on campus, like the Bobcat Pantry,” explained Sodexo’s Campus District Dietitian, Abbey LeBoeuf, MS, RD, LDN, CNSC.
The data found in the August 2023, Inside Higher Education’s story, “For First Time, U.S. Releases Data on Student Basic Needs” discussed the rising rates of homelessness and hunger amongst college students. With access to the cafeteria, a student union with food stations, snack machines and coffee shops located throughout the Jones College campus, many students were surprised to learn that an estimated 31 percent to 55 percent of all college students are food insecure. Some Jones College students make regular visits to the campus’ Bobcat Pantry to get food items and hygiene products, which solely depends on donations.
“These donations from Sodexo will help students you would not guess need a little help now and again,” said Food Pantry Manager, Kristen Register who also works in the Campus Clinic. ‘The Cooking for a Cause’ event was a fun way to raise awareness of the growing needs of students. We appreciate any assistance, and it is always needed.”
