A (Virtual) Community Table

Spearheaded by Hanna and Christelle Hayles, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, the cookbook is taking shape as a digital collection of recipes contributed by members of the WPI family. Recipes will be distributed in the near future, possibly even as a printed book. But the cookbook isn’t just a way for the WPI community to connect and share recipes with each other. “We also wanted to spread a little joy,” Hayles says.

And spread joy they have—the WPI community has embraced the idea of a cookbook with open arms (and appetites) by having submitted dozens of recipes and even calling for livestream step-by-step instruction videos. Hanna and Hayles are thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive reception.

“To not only see folks wanting to engage, but being excited to help move the idea forward and share their own recipes, it’s been really wonderful,” Hanna says.

Building Connections Through Food

While they both have at-home comfort snacks of choice—Hayles is enjoying her favorite brand of crackers (“I can’t stop eating them. It’s kind of a problem,” she says with a laugh), while Hanna is partial to a Winter Dream tea blend paired with mini Cadbury eggs (“I’ve had a thousand of them,” they joke)—the cookbook takes things a step further, with faculty and staff submitting recipes for everything from appetizers and lunchtime favorites to sweets and desserts.

“It’s critical in times like this to spread joy as best we can, and cooking is one of the best ways we can do that,” Hayles says. “It’s showing an intimate part of ourselves, our histories, and our cultures—and that’s a wonderful way to build connection, especially virtually. It’s not easy, but it’s important.”

Many have shared recipes for long-held family favorites, offering an additional way to connect with others in tough times—something Hanna experienced when contacting their parents for recipe ideas: “It was a great chance to check in with them, talk about our culture and recipes, and just chat.”