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A meal courtesy of the kids
TUSD’s Kitchens for Change hosts community service event
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Pitman High’s Mia Peterson, Turlock High’s Alexis Goularte and Pitman’s Janelle Jackson prepare food in the First & Main kitchen on Thursday ahead of serving over 120 local seniors at the Turlock Senior Center (CHRISTOPHER CORREA/The Journal).

When Kitchens for Change was founded by local high school students in 2021, it was created with the intention of giving back to the community while also learning the ropes of the culinary industry. On Thursday, the club’s mission was on full display as students from Turlock High and Pitman High prepared meals for local senior citizens.

According to Kathy Smith of Turlock Senior Citizens, the event was a perfect way to commemorate the return of full participation within the organization.

“We are so grateful for the culinary classes of Pitman High School and Turlock High School to come in and give back to the community. The seniors really appreciate that. We have finally gotten our senior citizens coming back after COVID, and this is a great way to do this,” she said.

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The Turlock Senior Citizens enjoy a dinner consisting of grilled chicken white rice, vegetables and a roll, all courtesy of the Kitchens for Change organization on Thursday (CHRISTOPHER CORREA/The Journal).

One person who helped make Thursday’s dinner a reality was Turlock Senior Citizens President Karen Valek. Valek has been instrumental in bringing weekly activities back to the center at 1191 Cahill St. since operations were halted in 2020 due to health and safety concerns that came with the pandemic. After hearing of the student organization, she felt as if it could offer a chance for the seniors to connect with the younger generation. It’s an idea that Turlock High senior and Kitchens for Change president Audrey Smallwood was completely on board with.

“One of the most impactful things that we’ve learned from our time with Kitchens for Change is the importance of listening to those in our community,” Smallwood said. “It’s really fun to connect with all the senior citizens, and not only them, but with all groups of people that we’ve interacted with during the time this project has been going on.”

Kitchens for Change kicked off their campaign in 2021 by serving meals to Turlock’s refugee population. Since then, the students have regularly prepared meals alongside the Turlock Gospel Mission to feed the town’s homeless population and partnered with the Turlock Unified School District this past winter to organize holiday meal boxes for families in need. Through their work, they have received grants from the City of Turlock and the nationwide Lead4Change initiative, which club advisor Mohini Singh believes creates a cycle of positivity.

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First & Main and Bistro 234 chef Nestor Jacobo Olivares helps Turlock High alum and Kitchens for Change co-founder Elias Rabine grill chicken for the senior citizens (CHRISTOPHER CORREA/The Journal).

“The grants that we’ve received help cover food and labor costs for local restaurants who help provide meals and teach the students in the kitchen. Without their help and support, the kids can’t do the cooking,” said Singh. “And when we provide meals to local groups, it spreads the word about who we are and what we want to accomplish, and then the local restaurants help us with our own fundraisers, which again turns into more events and opportunities for the students.”

Thursday’s menu for the senior citizens was organized by First & Main and Bistro 234 chefs Leroy Walker and Nestor Jacobo Olivares, and consisted of grilled chicken, white rice, vegetables and a roll. After the dinner, the seniors were treated to cobbler and ice cream. Though the duo constructed the evening’s menu, it was the students who were hands on in cooking and preparing each dish.

Also joining the group of students were Turlock High alumni Elias Rabine and Keean Young, two of the organization’s co-founders and original members.

“I think it’s awesome how some of the younger kids are taking the torch,” said Young. “All the seniors that were some of the main bodies for Kitchens for Change have left, and this new group of kids have really done a good job.”

As far as fundraisers go, Kitchens for Change held their first in March, hosting a brunch at First & Main. They will be hosting another brunch fundraiser at the popular restaurant on April 29, and are planning on collaborating with La Mo for a wedding chicken fundraiser in May. As one of the founders, Rabine urged community members to strongly consider attending.

“This project really represents what’s unique about Kitchens for Change, and that it’s a local thing that’s going on, which helps us best identify points of need and ideas for projects, so I’m proud of what we’ve done and what the club continues to accomplish,” he said. “It’s truly about the community.”

For more information on Kitchens for Change, follow the club on Instagram at @Kitchens4Change or ‘Like’ their Facebook page at “Kitchens for Change.” Those interested in joining the Turlock Senior Citizens or participating in any events at the Senior Center, head to www.turlockseniors.com or call the City of Turlock at (209) 668-5594.