Explore a different set of cuisines every month with guests from the Micronesian Islander Community, a non-profit based in Salem, who are holding a series of cooking events every month.

Jackie Leung, Linfield professor of health sciences, serves as the executive director of MIC.

MIC supports those living in the state of Oregon, southwest Washington and the Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Marshall Islands through community outreach that involves health, education, workforce development, and housing.

By bringing MIC to Linfield every month to demonstrate a cooking series, she hopes to spread cultural awareness and invite students to learn about Micronesian culture.

“Food is a need and it is no secret that college students are experiencing hunger,” Leung said. “Through a partnership with Linfield University, MIC is able to provide education workshops and cultural demonstrations on Micronesian food to share with Micronesian and Pacific Islander students who are away from home.”

The monthly event is reserved for students who identify as Pacific Islander or Micronesian. Students will be given a bag of groceries and the recipe to make the cuisine of that night, as well as a video that further explains the demonstration.

Chefs are those who are a part of the community and have a story to tell. The point of the cooking series is to not only educate others about the culture but to also tell their story. Storytelling is important because it allows guests to hear about the importance of the food to the chefs and the stories from their island.

February’s special guest chef was Kapiolani Micky, who is MIC Director of Community Health and Outreach. During her guest appearance, she cooked chicken adobo, a salad mix and a mashed banana dish called uht sukusuk.

The Micronesian Islander Community non-profit serves to bring the community of Micronesians and Pacific Islanders together here at Linfield.

“We are looking forward to sharing our culture through food and telling stories of our experiences on the islands,” Leung said.