Culinary student at Allan Hancock College offers creative recipes at Food Share Distribution for those in need

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Patrica Hayden started cooking for the weekly Food Share Distribution at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria.

“I’m here taking food that we get for free and I turn it into recipes so
that way the students know how to use the food," said Hayden.

The culinary student of Allan Hancock College is kicking the program up a notch.

She is a member of the Nutrition and Wellness Club, and is trying to bring recipe ideas to students.

“I always see students not able to use the food. They’re always questioning
what’s this what’s that. The idea came to me that we could show them how to
use those produce instead of just saying here I hope you eat it," said Hayden.

“I think it’s very thoughtful and some people don’t know how to cook and it
helps everyone in every way and it’s nutritious and it taste good," said student Alejandro Rodriguez of Allan Hancock College.

Hayden says for some students the samples are serving as their meal for
the day.

“Preparing healthy meals for students … it’s absolutely amazing … it’s such
a great opportunity for new students to come and try out different types of
foods," said student ambassador Isriel Cambronero of Allan Hancock College.

By using the food given at the free food share for new recipes, Hayden
hopes more students will learn about healthy living.

“I’m trying out one of the rice and beans that she’s made … it’s amazing. I
love it it’s actually really good," said Cambronero.

“My hope is that students will take this and progress with it in future
semesters and then it keeps going because it gets an out reach to the
community so people know what to do with their food," said Hayden.

Hayden plans to continue serving creative meals next semester.