Local food vendors showcase their unique cuisines and specialties to Hofstra students. // Photo courtesy of Annie MacKeigan.
Local food vendors from Hempstead and Uniondale came together on Wednesday, Sept. 13, in the HofUSA parking lot for Hofstra’s annual Taste of the Community barbeque event. Residents and commuter students alike gathered for the free feast. The event was organized and administered by the Office of Commuting Student Services and Community Outreach and the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement (OSLE).
“I got a text this morning; they told me to save my appetite, and so that is exactly what I did. I saved my appetite, and now we’re here,” said Grace Armet, a sophomore pre-medical studies major. Armet was most excited to visit Vincent’s Clam Bar once the line thinned out. “It’s unfortunate that the lines are so long, but we’re going to hit them all,” Armet said. Vincent’s Clam Bar was not the only booth with a line.
Mister Softee caught the attention of many students. The dessert line stretched across the entire event space. However, this did not deter students as they waited many minutes for free ice cream. Mister Softee offered a variety of flavors, toppings, cups and cones; they had something to please everyone.
“I got mail from Hofstra about the different cuisine and culture, so I thought I should come, as I am from Bangladesh, so I wanted to explore,” said Fatema Ajmir, a freshman marketing major. Ajmir, who held a large ice cream cone in her left hand, ordered a “vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles.”
Students learn about a variety of different cuisines and form new relationships while waiting in line for free food from local vendors. // Photo courtesy of Annie MacKeigan.
Although ice cream was the highlight of the night for many students, others raised concerns about the length of the line. Sophomore sociology major Stephen Odom said he waited in line for ice cream for over seven minutes. Although two Mister Softee trucks were present, both had long lines the entire night. Yet students were still persistent as many were drawn by the promise of free food.
“For anyone who knows me personally, free and food: two of my favorite words right there,” said Alex Suozzi, a senior TV and film production major. Suozzi buzzed with excitement about his choices. “Oh, what didn’t I get? Let’s see, [I got] cheesesteak, empanada, enchilada, whatever this is, I’m excited to try. [I’m] just wrapping up on a quesadilla and hoping there’s some ice cream left, but that line is going on for miles.”
Suozzi was impressed with the event turnout. “If there’s anything that can bring a group of people together, it’s food. Especially when it’s free,” he said.
In addition to the food, some students came hoping to meet new people.
“We ran into a couple of our friends,” said Timothy Tu, a graduate international business student. Tu attended the event with another friend to enjoy quesadillas and fried rice. “These events definitely bring out more people.”
Zen Iwata, a senior finance major, said, “I’m an international student, and it’s nice bringing outside food like Smok-Haus, letting me try some other food that’s not from campus.” Iwata believed he enjoyed his cheesesteak more than anything else.
OSLE estimated that 1,200 students attended the barbeque. “We were really pleased with the turnout; the event was in its third year, and each year, the program itself has grown quite a bit,” said Severino Randazzo, the director of student leadership and engagement.
According to Randazzo, Taste of the Community started as part of Hofstra University President Susan Poser’s inauguration in 2021. The event had been passed around various departments each year before reaching OSLE. Each year, Taste of the Community has been supported by Anita Ellis, the director of commuting student services and community outreach.
“In our office, we’re all about building traditions and maintaining traditions, and I think this is one of those programs that my team was really excited about bringing back to campus,” Randazzo said.
The community barbeque was part of the September Welcome, a bundle of events throughout September meant to familiarize new and returning students with the campus and community. The university has planned other food events throughout the month, as well as the annual Presidential Symposium.
