38 AUGUST 2023 By Rachael Bouley Three local students are putting their passion for volunteering to good use through an organization that’s dedicated to helping families with food insecurity. Xavier students Aanvi Goel and Riya Mehta joined forces with friend Karina Koppikar from Chaparral High to form My Tasty Table. This organization hosts cooking classes and teaches children how to prepare healthy meals. The group believes that food is a right, not a privilege, and wants everyone to have access to nutritious meals regardless of income level. The trio was inspired by volunteer work at a homeless shelter, after meeting families affected by food insecurity and poor diet choices among their peers. They learned that children facing homelessness are more likely to have unhealthy eating habits as their families do not have sufficient income to afford healthy meals. This stark reality inspired Aanvi, Riya, and Karina to do their part in educating and supporting the community. They set out to make healthier cooking and dining more accessible by offering workshops to low- income families, focused on simple recipes with easy-to-find ingredients. “We saw firsthand the effects of a poor diet on their focus, temperament and energy,” Karina said. “We knew we wanted to help but didn’t know where to start. That’s when we heard about the Dragon Kim Foundation, which offers funds to teens attempting to make positive change. We knew then that we could pursue it.” The process began with 400 applicants pitching an idea for a nonprofit organization. The application consisted of a few short answer questions, a video, letter of recommendation, and an essay. The pool was narrowed down to the top 100, and the semifinalists then went through an interview process. “We found out that we won about a week after our interview. The three of us were together at a restaurant when we received the email, and we were so excited,” Aanvi said. The winners received $5,000 and three weekends of leadership training, where they learned how to budget, market, and start projects. “It’s been really great to work with Dragon Kim. They really give you all the tools you need to succeed,” Aanvi said. Assisting youth and families impacted by food insecurity has proven rewarding for the group, who embrace the value of good nutrition and how it helps people of all ages live healthier, happier lives. “We teach kids aged 5-14 at schools and in after-school programs, typically in neighborhoods with high food insecurity rates,” Karina explained. “We teach them how to make healthy, affordable recipes we develop ourselves.” Some of their favorites include veggie sushi rolls, no-bake energy bites, and blueberry sorbet, which offer fast and flavorful nutrition. They share cooking inspiration online and in person during classes at Homeward Bound (a shelter in Phoenix) and hope to expand to a wider audience and more venues in the future. While it’s been a busy few months of classes and nutrition education, My Tasty Table is just starting its journey to educate and empower the community to make healthy choices. After hosting a free informational banquet with a three-course meal in July, they have planned additional outreach activities to raise awareness and grow their volunteer base. “Our plans include expanding partnerships, hosting at our own venues, and potentially writing a cookbook,” Karina said. mytastytableorg.com Hungry? This group can help you learn how to cook! We saw firsthand the effects of a poor diet on their focus, temperament and energy. We knew we wanted to help. Karina Koppikar, Riya Mehta, and Aanvi Goel are on a mission to teach young kids and families about healthy nutrition. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KARINA KOPPIKAR T H E XAVIER EFFECT Where Young Women Finish Strong xcp.org Xavier College Preparatory is a Catholic community that strives to prepare young women of faith with knowledge, skills, and integrity to meet the challenges of a changing global society in a positive and productive manner celebrating unity. 8th Grade Day Fri., Oct. 27, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. - 1:0 0 p.m. Open House Sun., Oct. 29, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. All are welcome Admissions/Placement Exam Sat., Dec. 2, 2023 or Sat., Dec. 9, 2023 at 7:30 a.m. Registration for exam and application information at xcp.org. 9th Grade applications are due Tues., Jan. 16, 2024. Affording a Xavier Education Financial Aid Workshops available to interested parents during the Entrance Exam Testing, Dec. 2, 2023 and Dec. 9, 2023.

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