Saint Michael’s students cook meals for senior citizens during Lent (Video)

During Lent, students from Saint Michael School in Cranford have been traveling to Cranford Family Care to cook for senior citizens in the agency’s food program.

The Loaves and Fishes Program at Cranford Family Care was established last year by Mollie Laracy, Cranford Family Care volunteer and Saint Michael’s parent, to help students give back to their communities during Lent.

“We call it Loaves and Fishes because we are trying to provide meals for those in need. And it’s a great, fun thing to do because we are also getting some lessons in kitchen life,” Laracy said.

Principal Sandy Miragliotta said the students enjoy learning about cooking while giving back to the community.

“They’re serving others just as Jesus did,” she said.

*Students from Saint Michael School in Cranford chop vegetables as they prepare meals for senior citizens at Cranford Family Care.*

Although the students have other service opportunities throughout the school year, the Lenten Loaves and Fishes Program gives the children a better understanding of almsgiving, Miragliotta said.

Saint Michael’s families also donated to help defray the cost of some of the ingredients and supplies needed to make the meals. During the five weeks of Lent, over 200 students traveled to Cranford Family Care twice weekly to cook meals for those in need. Laracy prepared a different menu for each group of students such as Italian Wedding soup with mini meatballs, cheesy biscuits, and oatmeal, raisin cookies. Along with teaching the students how to prepare the meals, she also gave them lessons in kitchen safety and food handling rules, and just as important the cleanup.

Once the items were prepared, the students packaged the meals for distribution. The students also write kind notes on the boxes. One box read: “Dear person who gets this meal, hope you have the best dinner.”

Carroll said she receives phone calls and emails from the seniors who are thankful for the notes as well as the home-cooked meals.

One eighth-grade student said the project is a fun way to give back while spending time with his friends.

“I think about the people who don’t have much. I thought about giving money, but this probably makes me the happiest,” he said.

*Over 200 students volunteered at Cranford Family Care during February.*

Catholic schools incentivize charitable giving among their students, especially during Lent when all Catholics are called to more intentional almsgiving.

Cranford Family Care is grateful that Saint Michael School created the Loaves and Fishes Program to serve area seniors, Carroll said.

“It was a pleasure witnessing the children’s excitement while preparing meals and the homemade cards for some of our senior citizens,” Carroll said. “The meals not only save money and time for the seniors but the thoughtfulness and creativity of the cards delivered smiles and enjoyment as well.”

Cranford Family Care offers temporary assistance to any resident of Cranford in need of groceries and financial support. The organization relies on volunteers to help in the food pantry, pick up donations from local businesses and residents, and shop for groceries to replenish supplies. For more information visit the website at cranfordfamilycare.com.