As students were released for lunch on Wednesday, Feb. 28, they were met with a feast. Lining the third floor hallway were tables piled high with food: fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, greens, sweet potato pie and more. This full buffet was a part of the Black Student Union’s (BSU) soul food lunch, one of the club’s biggest and most successful fundraisers.

Janelle Johnson, teacher and BSU advisor, felt that the event had been a long time coming. After not being able to host a soul food lunch the last couple years due to COVID-19, Johnson and her students were ready. Putting on gloves, grabbing serving spoons and opening tin foil covered-containers, they were ready to share some comfort food with their peers.

“It’s a chance for us to celebrate our culture,” Johnson said. “This kind of food just makes us feel good, and honestly, it tastes really good. A lot of students come ready to participate and eat.”

For just seven dollars, students could get a container filled to the brim. All the money earned over the course of the lunch will go towards a future BSU field trip. In past years, the club has used their earnings to attend places such as the African American History museum and the Underground Railroad museum. Now, after all their work, BSU looks forward to yet another great trip.

“This event is truly special,” Johnson said. “For me, soul food is just so familiar and comforting. It really takes me back to my childhood and times when I was with my family.”

Students, both in BSU and not, are ultimately left with a lunch period to remember. Between the cheesy macaroni; savory, garlicky greens and crispy chicken, it’s right in the name: this food is good for the soul.