The Culinary Arts Magnet Program at Freehold High School continues its tradition of charity and community service through its 23rd Annual Thanksgiving Food and Pie Sale that is open to students, parents, teachers, and the public. Almost 300 pies have already been baked, with more to come.

The Five Star Café, the student operated restaurant, once again sold holiday favorites such as apple crumb pie, pumpkin pie, cranberry relish, and butternut squash soup. SkillsUSA, which is a national student organization dedicated to connect service and career exploration, is the organizer for the event.

The annual pie sale also has a community service component. SkillsUSA will be working with the fine dining restaurant, Waypoint 662 in Brielle, to prepare a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings for those who are not fortunate enough to manage a Thanksgiving meal of their own. The restaurant will host approximately 22 families representing over 75 individuals. Waypoint 622 will provide the main meal while Culinary Arts student chefs will provide the cakes and cookies. The St. Dennis Food Pantry in Manasquan is coordinating the efforts and their volunteers will be delivering the hot meals and desserts. 

In addition, the SkillsUSA Club is holding a school-wide food drive to fight hunger in Monmouth County with the help of Fulfill, the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean counties. The goal is to collect 2,018 pounds of non-perishables for donation to the Foodbank by early December as a part of the club’s Students End Hunger campaign. Over 200 pounds of food has already been collected.