December 31, 2014
by Todd Guild
SOQUEL – During the time her then 5-year-old son was undergoing chemotherapy, Angela Farley was still tasked with the household chores and other responsibilities that underscore day-to-day living. At the end of those emotion ally draining days, she found herself asking, how to summon the energy to make a meal for her family? The answer, she discovered, was simple: with a helping hand. Two years later, her son is
in remission and at last report was driving his father crazy with pre-Christmas excitement.
But Farley’s question was the launch pad for Teen Kitchen Project, where high school students prepare meals from menus designed by chefs. The meals in turn are delivered once a week by a team of volunteers to families facing similar medical issues, who were referred by Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Jacob’s Heart, Hospice of Santa Cruz County and other providers.The team of 120 young chefs, in shifts of approximately 15, now make around 350 meals for families throughout Santa Cruz County. Recently, they were making tamales, Spanish couscous salad and vegetable frittata, along with Christmas cookies.
Farley said that half the organization’s activities are funded by private donations, while businesses kick in some 25 percent. Foundations such as Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group and Jacob’s Heart help with the rest. “I’m amazed how much the community has supported us,” she said. “I couldn’t be more grateful. “The organization is in the midst of a fundraising drive, which Farley hopes will help with plans to add a third cooking day and a second delivery day.That would be a boon for the project, which is currently near capacity with the number of families it serves, Farley said. “That way, we can continue to say ‘yes’ to people,” she said. The Soquel kitchen was bustling on a recent Tuesday, with more than a dozen kids aged 14-18 chopping, stirring, mixing and simmering.
Carmen Palacios, 18, said she was inspired to volunteer after her grandmother died from cancer and medical medical
maladies fell upon other family members. Meanwhile, Palacios was diagnosed with a heart problem and an autoimmune disorder. The Teen Kitchen Project, which among other things teaches its volunteers about healthy eating for those with health problems, was just the ticket for her. Also afflicted by several food allergies, Palacios said she has also learned different ways of cooking for herself.
“I started a year ago and I haven’t stopped since,” she said. “Teen Kitchen is one of the best things I’ve done in my life. There is nowhere else I’d rather spend my days.” Isabella Cuturrufo, 14, said she had a friend who died from cancer, and was inspired to volunteer after seeing the struggles her family went through.
“It’s a nice way to give back to the community,” she said. Trevor Maddy, 17, said he has been volunteering for a few months. He said he enjoys cooking, and that he has picked up new skills in his time there. “So far it is really fun and I like the project,” he said. “It’s a good feeling, knowing that you are helping people that need extra help.”
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