The Observer June 2023 Edition

by Emily Chapman

Some recipients of food assistance from the Oxford Community Trust will soon be receiving food prepared by the Oxford Area School Hospitality and Foods students from Years 11 and 12 in their food parcels.

The Oxford and Districts Lions grow a large amount of produce that gets distributed around North Canterbury to food banks, including that of the Oxford Community Trust. Manager Jo Ealam approached Oxford Area School and asked if they were able turn the produce into meals for food parcels.

The Year 12 Hospitality and Foods students are working on standards that involve catering to a target audience eg. someone who has coeliac disease. With the pumpkins and potatoes donated by the Oxford & District Lions they have made up soup packs. Fruit crumbles are also on the menu when it’s time for a sweet treat, made with donated apples. The Year 11’s came up with the idea of making single servings of these for those who are living alone.

Technology HOD Paula Christensen says “sometimes time can be a barrier to creating a nutritious meal, and with these packs it is easy.” They contain veggies, and a gluten free stock and spice pack.

Not only are the students gaining experience and credits, but they are also helping to enhance links with other organisations, and helping students give back in a meaningful way to their community.

Paula says part of the School’s Deep Learning for this year is looking at the needs around them, and what they can do to solve the need. Student Chloe Henderson says “I think it is good to help people by giving back to the community. We can do something for them, and look out for people who need a bit of support”.

The cost of living has had an impact on most people, and food banks across the country are finding their supplies are dwindling faster than usual. The Oxford Community Trust has not been immune to this, and has seen a large increase in the number of parcels going out the door.

Manager Jo Ealam says “There are lots of people accessing our services who have never had to ask for help before.” She is very happy to have some easy nutritious options to put in food parcels going out.

The collaboration of these three organisations is just another example of how much support is out there for anyone who needs it and what a great community we live in!