Crowds of hungry Hofstra University students made their way to the Hofstra USA parking lot on Thursday, Sept. 18, to try food from neighboring restaurants at the Taste of The Neighborhood Event, hosted by the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement (OSLE). A total of 13 tents gave out free food from local restaurants. These included Smok-haus, Belcrest Deli and Napolini Pizzeria & Catering among others. There was also promotion of on-campus restaurants like the Halal Shack.
“Taste of the Neighborhood has become one of our most popular September events, drawing more than 1,000 students this year,” said Severino Randazzo, executive director of Student Leadership and Engagement.
The event was introduced four years ago as a part of President Susan Poser’s inauguration celebration.
“[The event] was so successful, the [OSLE] decided to continue the program annually,” Randazzo said.
When the event was first held, it was set up in the Pride Park, but in order to accommodate more attendees, its location was moved to the Hofstra USA parking lot. Taste of the Neighborhood is becoming a Hofstra tradition. Noelani Whittington, a junior music major with a concentration in vocal performance, expressed this sentiment.
“I’ve been here for three years, so I know it always comes around,” Whittington said. “When I came here in my freshman year, it was the most amazing thing ever.”
The event was about more than just food. There was music and games, including cornhole and axe throwing. Majorie Martinez, a junior public relations major praised the event.
“Not only is it free food because people are running low on their dining dollars already,” Martinez said. “But it’s just a good way to socialize as well.”
Hofstra students are not the only ones happy to be a part of the Taste of the Neighborhood; local businesses are too. It gives them an opportunity to introduce themselves and their menus to the community. Noah Kokkinos, a Hofstra alum and current employee of Napolini Pizzeria, said he enjoys the opportunity to give back.
“I take any chance I have to hand out some free food,” Kokkinos said. “I know that’s what I was always looking for in college, so it’s always good to supply it to other students.”
OSLE sponsors community based events like Taste of the Neighborhood throughout the academic year, usually featured on OSLE’s website or GetInvolvedHU.
