Students prepare 1,000 festive meals for those in need

Paul Mercer, deputy head of Hospitality and Catering at the College said the students have been busy making the meals, which were chilled and ready to reheat at home along with over 1,000 pieces of shortbread and mince pies and 300 packs of marshmallow snowmen and gingerbread reindeers for children.

He added: “Our hospitality and catering students, who usually gain valuable experience and skills to complement their studies through the colleges’ cafes and restaurants and through working in local cafes, restaurants and hotels, both in the kitchen and front of house, were unable to do so this year. But by harnessing all their skills and learning for the good of the community, they have continued to progress, and we have been able to supply over 1,000 Christmas meals and festive treats for children.”

The students, from Level 2 and Level 3 Professional Cookery and Patisserie and Baking courses, not only made the food, but were involved in distributing to clients of Bangor Food Bank and Community Support and Newtownards Foodbank.

Meals were also delivered straight from the college to agencies working with people in need.