Graphic by Maya Uribe
By Miggy Aguilar
CI students got a taste of New Orleans on Mar. 12 with Cooking on CalFresh: Mardi Gras Edition, a student-led event showcasing how to prepare affordable meals while celebrating cultural traditions. The event, hosted by ASI Student Government, CI’s Basic Needs Program and Dining Services, featured a live cooking demonstration of gumbo, a staple dish of Louisiana cuisine.
Pearce Harris, Vice President of Student Government, said the idea for the event originally stemmed from a planned Valentine’s Day-themed cooking demonstration. However, due to scheduling delays, organizers decided to shift the focus to Mardi Gras, embracing the spirit of the New Orleans festival by teaching students how to make a budget-friendly version of gumbo.
“We thought about Mardi Gras and when you think of Louisiana, gumbo just made sense,” said Harris, whose personal connection to the dish stems from his father, a New Orleans native. “My dad makes really good seafood gumbo with a strong roux, Tony Chachere’s seasoning, sausage, shrimp and fish. I love it.”
Bringing Affordable Cooking to Students
The Cooking on CalFresh series is designed to educate CI students on how to prepare nutritious meals while living on a budget. The event aligns with the mission of CalFresh, the federally recognized Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps low-income individuals and families access healthy food. CI’s Basic Needs Program plays a crucial role in connecting students with CalFresh benefits and operates the Dolphin Pantry, which provides food and essential supplies to students in need.
Harris emphasized that many students rely heavily on the dining hall, often unaware of affordable cooking alternatives. “I’m glad we’re showing them that there are more options—and great options—without needing a ton of ingredients. Gumbo isn’t even that complicated to cook,” he said.
The Cooking Demonstration
The demonstration was led by Peter Maher, Executive Chef for dining services at CI. Students had the opportunity to watch the step-by-step preparation of gumbo and sample the final dish. The demonstration also highlighted the affordability of the ingredients, making it an accessible meal for students looking to cook on a budget.
For those unfamiliar with gumbo, Harris described it as “a soup with a lot of different textures,” featuring ingredients like sausage, seafood, shredded chicken, celery, tomatoes and a well-seasoned roux base. “The seasoning is definitely spicy, but that’s what makes it great,” he added.
A Community-Centered Culinary Experience
The event was well received by students, many of whom were eager to learn about cooking affordable meals. Harris noted that past Cooking on CalFresh events have garnered enthusiastic participation, largely due to the engaging performance by the chefs. “Students love free food, but they also enjoy watching the demonstration. [Peter Maher] is a natural performer—he loves the crowd’s energy and engagement.”
Given the positive reception, Harris hopes to continue the series with another cooking event before the semester ends. “We originally planned something more formal for Valentine’s Day, maybe teaching students how to make an eggplant steak or a romantic dinner-style meal. That would be fun to do in the future.”
Mardi Gras and Its Cultural Significance
Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday,” is a festive tradition rooted in French culture, marking the last day before Lent. The United States city most synonymous with the holiday is New Orleans, where the celebration includes elaborate parades, vibrant costumes and traditional foods like king cake and gumbo. The festival represents a mix of Catholic traditions and Creole heritage, with gold, green and purple beads symbolizing power, faith and justice.
By bringing Mardi Gras to CI, organizers aimed to introduce students to the cultural significance of the holiday while providing a practical lesson on affordable meal preparation.
Looking Ahead
The Cooking on CalFresh initiative is just one of many student-driven efforts to support food security and wellness at CI. Student Government continues to advocate for students’ needs, while CI’s Basic Needs Program and Dining Services provide ongoing resources to help students thrive both academically and personally.
For more information on CalFresh benefits, visit GetCalFresh. For resources provided by Basic Needs services, visit CI Basic Needs.
