Vegemite sandwiches from New Zealand, cinnamon buns from Sweden, and guacamole from Guatemala were a few of the items served at the annual international food fair as the East Campus Cafeteria.
The smell of food and music lingered the cafeteria Friday as the event opened its doors for students, and people quickly lined up to get a taste of everything that was offered.
Students from 14 different countries from around the world came together to share their culture through a culinary journey at the annual food fair organized by the SBCC Ambassadors program.
The goal of the event was to celebrate diversity and bring together local and international students at City College.
“I love having events like this on campus,” said Shelby Arthur, international student advisor and supervisor of the Ambassadors. “It provides students to get together outside of their academics.”
Natalia Boustani, originally from Lebanon, is part of the Ambassadors program and emphasized the importance that food has in every culture.
“You can really see the personality of the culture through the food,” Boustani said. “It’s such a great way for people to come and interact with the cultures.”
Besides the food and music, visitors could take photos in a photo booth, and get free stickers and pins made by the Ambassadors.
Members from City College Phi Theta Kappa also had a table at the fair, serving typical Swedish sweets such as cinnamon buns and chocolate rolls.
Sunny DeVries had baked sweets served with help from his peers in Phi Theta Kappa.
“We had a get-together where we baked all of this,” said DeVries, gesturing to four large plates filled with pastries. “I think we made about 200 chocolate rolls.”
At the Brazilian table, students could have a taste of “brigadeiro,” a chocolate dessert made from condensed milk, cocoa powder and butter. The 250 brigadeiros made were almost gone after one hour into the event.
Brazilian student Isabelle Yoshida showed her appreciation towards the event and how it gives a chance for students to come together, sharing diversity and cultures.
Helping out at the Brazilian table was JJ Lo Biuco, a student ambassador from Italy. Biuco further emphasized the importance of the program, explaining how it not only plans events such as the Food Fair, spring formal and cultural cafes, but it also helps new students feel welcome and seen at City College.
“When you first come here, it can be hard to find friends,” Biuco said. “What we do is help bring people together.”
Almost all of the food was gone by the end of the afternoon, and many walked away knowing a bit more about the cultures of their peers at City College.
Applications for the spring semester Ambassadors program are now closed, but students can apply for fall by filling out an application for the program.
