'What's For Dinner' ​Cookbook Created By Student Volunteer

BRANFORD, CT —As a high school volunteer at Branford’s Community Dining Room, Carter Shannon saw an opportunity.

"‘What if' I remember thinking. What if the clients of the Food Pantry were each given a cookbook specifically designed to use the types of foods provided by the pantry," Carter recalled.

Now a sophomore at Northwestern University, he pondered:

“And what if the recipes were by local restaurant chefs, and the meals were quick and easy to make? Because, for people who are struggling economically, time is a factor.”

A year later, Shannon, with the help of the Branford Rotary Club, turned that ‘What if’ into a 70-page, full-color cookbook called ‘What’s for Dinner?’

The book's recipes use ingredients from the Pantry’s weekly grocery basket and can be prepared in one pot or pan in approximately 30 minutes.

Sixteen local restaurants and civic organizations contributed recipes, including Le Petit Café's Chef Roy’s Egg Custard, Mosaico Cuisine's American Congree, Crostini Breakfast & Lunch's Sweet Potato Chili, Connecticut Community Gardening's Rice and Bean Confetti and the Branford Police Department's Balsamic Pork and Peaches recipe.

“So much of the daily conversation at the Food Pantry is about what to do with the ingredients we provide, and Carter’s idea was a great answer to that question,” said Jaye Andrews, vice president of the Food Pantry. “We can’t thank Carter and the Rotary Club enough. I know our clients will be thrilled to receive ‘What’s for Dinner?'"

The book, paid for by the Rotary Club to produce, will be given free of charge to Pantry clients, and a digital version is also available on the Branford Rotary Club website.

“When I first met Carter, he was such an impressive student, and bringing his cookbook to life was a no-brainer,” Rotary Club board member Susan Marlatt said. “It’s the kind of project that could be replicated in every community, and we’re so appreciative of the many local restauranteurs and organizations that took part.”

The Rotary Club is selling hard copies for $20 and those funds are then donated to the Food Pantry. Email Andy at andy.marlatt@gmail.com to purchase.

About Branford Rotary

The Branford Rotary Club is a volunteer group of community leaders from all walks of life who join together to serve. As part of the 1.2-million-member Rotary International, Rotary members give their time and expertise to improve lives in Branford, across the shoreline, and around the world.

About Branford Food Pantry

The Branford Food Pantry provides supplemental food support to residents in need. Last year, the Pantry served an average of 187 families in Branford, where one in six residents struggles with food insecurity.