MOSAIC’s Fifth Annual Potluck: Food And Culture Bringing Us Together

On Saturday, Nov. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. MOSAIC held their fifth annual potluck in the Bowld gym.

MOSAIC is a student-led organization that brings faculty and students together in order to celebrate their various cultures and backgrounds. One of the ways they do this is by hosting a potluck each year. 

The potluck is as an opportunity for students and faculty to bring food to share their cultures while being able to try dishes that others brought.

Some of the different types of dishes that were brought included a Greek salad, a Turkish lentil soup and even a Jamaican beverage — “Agua de Jamaica” (Iced Hibiscus Tea).

Dona Kaci, a sophomore double major in psychology and Christian ministries, is the president of MOSAIC and co-leads with Tina Chen and Emma Peek. Kaci contributed a savory pie called Byrek from her home country, Albania.

“It’s a food you eat day to day. It’s not necessarily a special event food,” Kaci said. “It’s simple and it’s not super complex and has a lot of nostalgic value.”

Kaci explained that even though Americans are used to their own food, non-Americans still find American food to be interesting and unique.

“There was some pumpkin bread as well,” Kaci said. “I don’t think Americans understand how unique pumpkin stuff is. It is really an American thing, so for other people from other cultures, it’s just so cool.”

Lainey Fox, a junior journalism major, has attended a few MOSAIC potlucks in the past and returned this year to engage in the fellowship. 

Throughout the time Fox has come to these potlucks, the experiences have continuously opened her eyes to the variety of cultures that are represented on campus and how important it to celebrate the diversity at Union.

“It’s a really good reminder of the diversity, upbringing, culture and values that people might have, which is something you don’t even think about on a day to day basis,” Fox said.

Adoniram Cripps, a freshman conversation biology major, attended MOSAIC’s potluck for the first time this year. “It’s nice to see that there’s certain groups and organizations who are focused on not just making sure there’s diversity, but also celebrating the different cultures and backgrounds,” Cripps said.

MOSAIC is not just a place for international students. It is open for anyone.

“It’s a place where you can come and enjoy what’s home to you,” Kaci said. “We can come together and celebrate who we are and celebrate the little things from when we grew up, which made us who we are today.”