Discover Diverse Flavors at the Inaugural Intercultural Food Market on Old Campus!

Last Sunday, Old Campus buzzed with excitement as over 300 students gathered for the First Annual Intercultural Food Market. Sixteen student groups showcased delicious dishes from around the globe, turning the area into a vibrant celebration of culture and community.

Organized by Junior Class Council President Kingson Wills, the event aimed to build connections while enriching the local New Haven community. Wills shared how a successful fundraiser earlier in the year allowed them to double their budget and create this event. “We wanted to give back and connect students with different cultures,” he said.

To support the participating groups, the council provided $200 to each organization. This helped in preparing a variety of dishes, while some of the funding also went toward raffle prizes, including gift cards to local businesses.

Attendees tasted an assortment of foods, from aguas frescas by Mecha de Yale to empanadas by Contigo Perú. Students could also enjoy arepas from Club Venezuela and tacos from La Unidad Latina. Ecuadorian sweets were prepared by Ecuatorianos y Amigos Unidos, adding to the diverse offerings.

Other groups featured tropical dishes like curry and jerk chicken from the Caribbean Students Organization and classic soul food from the Black Student Alliance at Yale. The Brazil Club provided tasty empadas and pão de queijo, while various Asian student groups brought their own specialties: kasoy served lumpia and pancit; KASY offered kimbap; and the Nepali Students Society served momo dumplings. Additionally, the Nigerian Students Association presented hearty dishes from Ade Kitchen.

The turnout was impressive, and many students returned for seconds and thirds. Gloria Baek, a sophomore at KASY, noticed how much everyone enjoyed the kimbap. “I think people really loved the variety. It was a great time,” she said, adding that they handed out around 300 slices.

Some groups even engaged attendees with games. At the KASY table, guests could play ddakji, a fun game popularized by the show *Squid Game*, winning prizes in the process.

Nico Upegui, a first-year student and participant, appreciated the variety and location, saying, “It was a great event to have so many different organizations together. Old Campus was a perfect spot.”

This inaugural event not only showcased global cuisines but also highlighted the rich diversity within Yale’s community. Wills hopes to involve even more groups in the future, as the 16 organizations that participated this year are just a glimpse of what Yale has to offer.

Events like this are essential for fostering inclusivity and understanding among students. They remind us of the joy that comes from sharing traditions and celebrating our differences. The interest in cultural events has been increasing, as illustrated by a recent survey that found a 25% rise in participation in campus multicultural events compared to the previous year. This trend indicates a growing eagerness among students to explore and appreciate various cultures.

For more detailed insights into similar community initiatives, you can check out resources provided by the Pew Research Center, which explores the impact of cultural events on community cohesion.

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