New to Camden and her school, Harianna was scared and uncertain about her new environment. Even her first day in Vetri Cooking Lab was overwhelming for her—she spent most of that first session coloring and did not partake in cooking. Harianna’s discomfort at her new school even extended to mealtimes. She didn’t eat breakfast or lunch at school.

Ms. Ramirez, a teacher at the school, made our educator, Megan, aware of Harianna’s food challenges, and asked to stay updated on whether she ate anything at “Cooking Club.” By the end of last fall’s Vetri Cooking Lab semester, Megan was proud to report that Harianna was indeed eating the meals that she was helping prepare.