One aspect of college life that never fails to bring people together is food. Three student organizations have focused their missions around food while simultaneously providing students opportunities to try new cuisines, dedicate themselves to service work, and promote cultural awareness.
The Colgate Cheese and Culture Club, which has more than 300 active members, meets monthly to share an interest in learning more about various cultures and places around
the world.
“Our events often fill up within the first minute of sign-ups,” says Cecilia Belzer ’22, who founded the group in 2018.
Each meeting is centered around a variety of cheese tastings from a different area of the globe. The subjects can range from the historical and cultural significance of cheeses to specific processes in which they’re made. Although the pandemic hindered many campus gatherings last year, the Cheese and Culture Club persevered by transitioning to local cheese tastings from the Hamilton Farmers Market and Martha’s On Madison (before the new eatery’s grand opening in June).
Another popular club is Challah for Hunger, whose objective is to raise awareness of food insecurity and money for hunger relief. Like the artfully braided traditional Jewish bread, the student-led organization works to intertwine community service, a common interest in baking, and social activities into one group. Through bake sales, the group donates 50% of profits to local food banks and the other 50% to the American Jewish World Service. Although the club is affiliated with Jewish culture, it is open to all students.
“Through baking and selling challahs, we are able to form new friendships with our peers while simultaneously learning about the importance of addressing food insecurity,” says Alexis Goldman ’23, co-president of Challah for Hunger.
Lastly, the Colgate Hunger and Outreach Program (CHOP) works to ensure that community members have access to nutritious meals. Members visit the Friendship Inns in Hamilton and Morrisville to connect with town members and share freshly prepared dinners. In addition to the bimonthly get-togethers, CHOP members volunteer at the Hamilton Food Cupboard to further help community members.
“We hope to promote food security and community in each of our volunteer opportunities,” says club leader Lucas Rondan ’22.