Recipes Sought for Cookbook Supporting Graduate Students

Sandra L. Petersen, Veterinary and Animal Sciences and faculty liaison to International Graduate Student Food Security Coalition, said that in the past international students without funding would return to their home countries and economic security for the summer. In the current political climate, many are afraid to leave for fear that they will not be able to return.

The coalition is compiling the cookbook, and proceeds from sales will be used to buy grocery cards that will be distributed to international students in need during the summer.

Recipe submissions are needed by Nov. 6.

“Most of us have immigrant roots and a heritage that links us to another country,” Petersen said. “We hope you will share a favorite recipe that is representative of your cultural heritage and has significance to you and your family. Our goal is to help mitigate the issue of food insecurity among international graduate students, an issue that is particularly pressing during the summer.”

Recipes should be submitted to Sandra Petersen at spetersen [at] vasci.umass.edu. A photograph of the food is a plus.

The coalition consists of the international group of the Graduate Student Senate, Graduate Women in STEM and Immanuel Lutheran Church under pastor Steven Wilco.

In the past year, the group hosted two dinners for 75-100 international students and their families with nearly 20 countries represented. The goal was to let these students know that they are valued members of the UMass Amherst community.