Summer Meals Kickoff Party

By Sarah Taylor, UMass Lowell Dietetic Intern

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Nothing brings the community together like free delicious meals and fun summer activities! On June 26th, ChicopeeFRESH successfully hosted the Summer Meals Kickoff Party! The event took place at the Chicopee Public Library and almost 500 free meals were served. I’ll set the scene for you, picture our Curbside Cafeteria parked by a large grassy amphitheater surrounded by shaded trees with families picnicking, kids having dance parties to fun music, drawing with sidewalk chalk, and eating at picnic tables. The party vibes continue inside the Library with TONS of fun activities!

• ChicopeeFRESH had lots of crazy spin art, handing out free bags, stickers, tattoos, cool glasses, and providing information on the free summer meals program 

• With the Breathe for Change program with some Social and Emotional Learning teachers, kids performed yoga, rock painting, and make-your-own bracelets! 

• Fuel Up to Play 60 had activities that the families and kids loved! The top hits were football and hula hoop tossing

• Chicopee Boys & Girls Club offered face painting and by the end of the event there were lots of Spidermans running around!

• The Library promoted their Summer Reading Program and many families signed up

• Cactus Head Puppets put on a glorious Roving Puppet Show that kept the kids smiling and entertained throughout the whole event

• Autographs and photo shoots with Pat Patriot and Boomer the Thunderbirds Mascot!

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​Did I mention there was free food? We served delicious hot dogs in a bun topped with Korean BBQ pulled pork, kimchi, and spicy mayo. The sides were Asian slaw, marinated cucumbers, a bag of chips, and either water or juice with their meal! Chef Sam and Chef Sherry from Project Bread helped develop the recipe! So why hot dogs with Korean BBQ pulled pork? Melanie Wilk and the Foodservice staff wanted to offer a classic summer food, hot dogs, while highlighting a Korean cuisine! 

• Kimchi plays a big part in Korean culture. It is fermented vegetables that have a yummy tangly flavor. Kimchi is usually always included with any dish ordered in Korean restaurants and mealtimes at home with friends and family.

• Korean BBQ holds significant cultural value as it embodies the important of community in Korean culture. Mealtimes are to be a social event with food being shared with loved ones and this is exactly the vibes with the Korean BBQ pulled pork hot dogs served at the Event!

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Stay tuned on our Instagram and Facebook pages on other upcoming events! 
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​(Check it out - the Summer Meals Kickoff Party was featured on 22 News!)