Teens Learn About Food, Life At SoZo CenterA few weeks ago, it was Taivian Luster's turn to cook dinner for students at the SoZo Teen Center in Watertown. For Luster, it was a big change. "Before I was in the culinary class I would eat junk food, like half of the day, and sometimes I wouldn't eat dinner," she said. "I would just eat a bag of chips and go to sleep." Luster gets a hand from Tony Gullo, the program coordinator, who helps prepare the meals. "We have some kids coming in here and the first time they pick up a knife, they're not quite sure how to do it, but by the end of the course, they have a firm grasp not only on the knife but a lot of food service principles as well," Gullo said, "so you really see their self-confidence grow throughout the program." You can see it in Luster as she puts a meal together for the others. "Being able to walk into the teen center and students know that you're able to cook a meal for them," she said. Gullo said cooking at the center can translate into a job cooking in the real world. "There's been fruit from it, too," he said. "They've gotten some jobs in the fast-food market through the skills that they've learned here." It's full plate of life lessons are learned in the kitchen, and the food looks pretty good, too. The teens get a chance to cook meals two or three times a week. The program is open to all. |
Thursday, June 20, 2013
, Watertown, NY
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