PEABODY — Citizens Inn will be hosting an end-of-the summer virtual cooking class on Friday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.
The event promises to be a great opportunity, not only for participants to learn a few new grilling tricks, but to learn about and support the Haven from Hunger — a program run by Citizen’s Inn — mission of ending homelessness and hunger on the North Shore.
“This is our third cooking class we’ve put together over the past year,” said Citizens Inn Senior Development Officer Gianna Langis. “It’s a unique way to be able to stay in touch with our audience and donor base, and do so in a safe way during the pandemic. Grilling seemed like a fun way to end the summer.
“The cost of running Haven during the pandemic has grown exponentially and every fundraising dollar matters. That’s why these virtual classes are impactful, and that’s why we need continued support from the community as we near the 18th-month mark of the pandemic.”
Haven from Hunger Assistant Program Director Brianne Jurs will be the featured instructor. She will teach participants how to cook a delicious meal using an outdoor grill. The class menu includes grilled pizza, grilled fruit for sangria and a special grilled dessert.
“Brianne has a wealth of knowledge in the kitchen, and while she does follow recipes, her main goal is to teach the viewers technique,” said Langis. “Bri cooks dinner four nights a week for our takeaway meal service. Depending on what we get on that day for food rescue or from the Greater Boston Food Bank is what she ends up preparing.
“That’s why technique is so important and her willingness to adapt recipes with different ingredients on a daily basis. It’s all about catering to the preference of the audience.”
Langis added thay Jurs is hoping to show off several items that many people don’t typically associate with cheese pizza.
“She’s looking to highlight some of the beautiful fruit that’s in season right now and also vegetables that people might not think to add to their pizzas,” said Langis.
Adults will also be able to make a vegetable dish. An outdoor grill is not required as all recipes are oven-friendly, Langis said.
An ingredient list, pre-class preparation tips and Zoom meeting details will be distributed to confirmed attendees a week before the event.
Throughout the class, attendees will be updated on how Citizens Inn’s Haven from Hunger program has faced increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about the program or general food insecurity issues.
“This class also serves as an opportunity for donors to hear what Haven’s daily operations look like,” said Langis. “We’re in the midst of finishing up construction of our second floor. Our pantry remains outdoors for the foreseeable future.”
Tickets are $50 per household. To purchase tickets, go to the Citizens Inn website at citizens https://citizensinn.org/ and click on events. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Haven from Hunger.
Haven from Hunger says the demands made on its pantry during the pandemic are still higher than pre-pandemic levels. The pantry operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of each week from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Meals are provided on a grab-and-go basis as the dining room remains closed.
In the last 12 months, the pantry has served more than 5,000 clients from Peabody, Salem and Lynnfield.