From the Frontline: Inside a Side By Side Class
Posted by Robyn Morgan on Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The space was a bit small, but I could see it working. After all, it had worked before. The families who would participate in the Side By Side class began trickling in and I could feel the anxiety in my stomach creeping in, but for what? I had done this many times before. Get through the first few minutes and you’ll be fine, I told myself.
My new chef was setting up, so excited to be back in the game after an extended and unforeseen hiatus. I wonder how she’ll do. It’s just us…but it will work.
“Let‘s go through and introduce ourselves, our favorite foods, and what you would like to learn during our time together.” I heard things like “pizza!” and “macaroni and cheese!” from excited children and one dad responded earnestly, “I want to teach my son how to cook healthy foods so that we can learn to eat healthy together.” This is what it’s all about.
Over the next several weeks, the kids and their parents willingly tried foods never before eaten. Fresh mango got a second chance from a mother of two. Grilled pineapple received much praise, as did couscous, which would later be used by participants to create their own improvised dishes. Barley Jambalaya and Southwestern Black-eyed Pea & Corn Salad were surprisingly tasty twists on soul food classics while dried currants became a perfect raisin alternative for little hands. I can still hear “This IS really good!” in my mind as each week families got to taste the first bite of the delicious meals they themselves prepared. Provision of groceries and a little encouragement from the chef to “use recipes as a guideline” instead of directions set-in-stone inspired the preparation of many creative and personalized meals within each family’s home kitchen.
Our volunteer Chef instructor, Barb Comer, former caterer and long-time Share Our Strength advocate and fundraiser, was a perfect match – the participants listened intently each week as she demonstrated knife techniques and spoke about making food dollars stretch. Her sincere passion for teaching families how to prepare healthy meals using fresh and common ingredients was evident from the get-go.
Graduation class came quickly. It was full of laughter and friendly competition as the families divided into teams to compete in preparing the tastiest dish. Spicy Summer Vegetable Soup and Black Bean Couscous Salad were both full of flavor. And healthy, too. This was proof that the six weeks we spent with the children and parents was worthwhile for all of us.
A couple of weeks after the class graduated an email from our beloved Chef Barb showed up in my inbox. Her words remind me of the impact that volunteers like Barb can have through a program like Operation Frontline. “Got a call from the group at the apartment. [The group is] all getting together and cooking once a week. I’m so proud of them!! I love the concept of the ‘Side by Side’ classes. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
I agree, Chef. I agree.
September 29, 2010 | 4 comment(s) | Tags: Cooking Matters, event, no kid hungry, Operation Frontline
Comments
4 reader comments so far.
Robyn - thanks so much for bringing to life what Operation Frontline is all about, for the volunteers and for the families we serve!
Posted by Janet McLaughlin on September 29, 2010
Robyn, what an amazing story! I was so glad to get to serve beside you and watch those simple, yet profound transformations unfold. Excellent desciption of the effect Operation Frontline has on families. Thans for your thoughts!
Posted by Katey Rudd on September 29, 2010
Robyn, I am so proud of all that you've accomplished in your two years serving with us at Tarrant Area Food Bank. I often think back to the day that you were volunteering as a photographer in one of our senior classes and we discussed the opening we had for a member.
I remember how much I thought you would enjoy being in AmeriCorps, and how much you would bring to our little corner of the program. I am so glad that you decided to work with us, and for all that you have contributed, both professionally and personally over your two years of service.
My the next phase of your life bring you much joy and satisfaction, and thank you for serving.
Posted by Micheline Hynes on October 3, 2010
Fabulous story! You made me feel like I was in class with you!
Posted by Laura Seman on October 4, 2010
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