It's Thyme To Build A Better Plate
Anyone for a spinach salad with pasta and chickpeas? How about veggies with hummus or overnight oats with banana and peanut butter? All three meal ideas got an enthusiastic thumbs-up from students who attended last week’s, “From Pantry to Plate”, a cooking class designed for students to utilize items from the Lucille A. Bova Food Pantry to create nutritious, well-balanced meals.
A highlight of the event was a special cooking demonstration to celebrate Black History and culture. QCC graduate Daneka Reid, originally from Jamaica, shared one of her favorite Jamaican recipes, Brown Stew with Chickpeas.
“Most of the ingredients can be found in the Food Pantry such as canned tomatoes and vegetables, rice, and beans. I think it was a hit!”
The event took place on March 2 in the RFK building in a classroom equipped with a full kitchen. It was led by Dr. Lana Zinger, Ed.D, CHES, RD, Nutrition Science, Health Physical Education and Dance (HPED).
Additional presentations were made by Carmine Ingenito, an adjunct in the department of HPED, where he teaches nutrition. Parisa Assassi, Assistant Professor, HPED, who teaches nutrition and public health, spoke about food insecurity.
“It is not unusual for college students to experience food insecurity. It is challenging to juggle many responsibilities at once such as paying the rent, tuition, and other bills and sometimes meals take a second priority. That’s where the food pantry comes in to help bridge that gap and allow you to focus on your studies.”
Another QCC graduate, Malik Stoops, finished off a plateful of pasta salad. “It’s really good and filling although I would probably top it off with my own dressing.”
Both Daneka and Malik, both of whom graduated from Queensborough in 2025, have continued as Peer Mentors at the Male Resource Center (MRC) since they joined about two years ago.
“I’ve developed a strong sense of community here, and I consider it an honor, a duty, to help students connect with resources so they can succeed, not just in their studies but also with social connections. It can be hard to make new friends when you’re a new student or feel alone. I’ve been on that side of the fence—still am a little on some days. My advice? Don’t overthink it. Show up as yourself because the more you try to hide the true you, in the long game it doesn’t work out.”
Malik is now at Queens College where he is continuing his studies in psychology.
Daneka agreed. “As an international student, it means a lot to be part of a community with shared experiences and interests. The MRC helped me overcome my shyness and opened doors that have made a big difference in my life.”
“Pantry to Plate” served the same purpose. Shared experiences, shared interests, same community of care.
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The Lucille A. Bova Food Pantry is located on the first floor of the Administration Building in A-119. If the pantry is closed, prepackaged bags are available for pick-up behind the reference desk in the Kurt R. Schmeller Library during open hours.
Pantry to Plate was sponsored by the Health, Physical Education and Dance Department, the Black Faculty Staff Association (BFSA) and the Male Resource Center (MRC).
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