Feeding Hearts, Nourishing Communities: The Mac Shares Meal Event
By Kathy MacLean, B.Sc. (Agr)’81, Manager Communications and Planning, Macdonald Campus
In our busy lives, sometimes a moment arises that genuinely connects us, reminding us of the profound impact of community and compassion. Recently, just as I began to yearn for such an experience amidst the virtual meetings and emails, the School of Human Nutrition's Mac Shares Meal Event caught my attention, offering a unique opportunity to give back to those in need.
In my student days, meal events (put on by NUTR345/346 students) were elaborate, sought-after, international cuisine-themed food experiences. Over time, a shift towards community-focused initiatives emerged, championed by students eager to support local nutrition projects. This transition seamlessly integrated with "Mac Shares," a pre-COVID initiative uniting faculty, staff, and students to prepare food together for donation.
The cooking session I joined was dedicated to supporting the Fantastic Five team, comprising Rébecca Jolicoeur, Sarrangi Elaiyappah, Nada Mani, Sarah Shalhoub, and Sophie Deoliveira, in aiding the Centre de pédiatrie sociale communautaire de Lachine. On Valentine's Day, the team will host a community gathering where they will impart nutrition knowledge and offer the center’s children a fun cupcake decorating activity alongside distributing a nutritious lasagna for their families to take home.
As we measured, poured, and baked hundreds of cupcakes for the activity, I couldn't help but envision the joy on the children's faces as they engaged in this sticky Valentine's Day activity.
This event exemplified the power of teamwork and community spirit, bringing together volunteers like Alexandra Heidl, an M.Sc. (Applied) Credentialing student from B.C., Iris Xu, a Postdoctoral Fellow in Natural Resource Sciences, and Jiayi Deng, a foundation year/freshman student from Toronto. We gathered in a corner of the food lab, united by our mission to meet new people on campus and make a positive impact.
Rébecca Jolicoeur, team spokesperson, shared poignant experiences which underscored the critical role of community food programs in supporting vulnerable populations. Such insights remind us of the urgent need for initiatives like Mac Shares, particularly in regions where many rely on food assistance programs.
Beyond the kitchen, including through its teaching and stage programs, the School of Human Nutrition's outreach efforts touch numerous community organizations, from supporting pregnant women and infants to advocating for health and social justice. These endeavors epitomize McGill's commitment to community well-being, connecting academic expertise with practical needs.
As we look ahead, initiatives such as these embody our collective dedication to service and compassion and the Macdonald motto—Mastery for Service. Through the McGill24 Nutrition Support for Non-Profits crowdfunding campaign and partnerships with organizations like Fabulous Five sponsor Metro Plus Lachine, our students aim to extend their impact, touching the lives of vulnerable children and families across Greater Montreal.
In the end, moments like these reinforce the transformative potential of community engagement, inspiring us to continue our journey of empathy and service. Together, let’s forge a brighter, healthier future for all.