‘Sun Monthly’ features interview with 51Ʒmed student and cooking guide author Ben Slocum
On October 7, 2014, the Sun Monthly featured an interview with third-year student in the College of Osteopathic Medicine Ben Slocum regarding his efforts in creating a meal planning and cooking guide to help people on food assistance and others better utilize their resources.
The publication of Slocum’s book, 30 Days on $200—A Cooking Guide for Good Healthy Eating on a Budget, was the result of a cumulative effort. He, along with Biddeford’s Public Health and Welfare Director Vicky Edgerly, Mayor Alan Casavant, Hannaford Supermarkets and a number of community members played various roles in realizing the publication of the book.
“It was great working with the mayor, Vicky and everyone else. Working with motivated people is contagious,” said Slocum. “The book started as a community project (for me), but it has been created through a strong community effort.”
The book, which contains health information, grocery shopping tips, meal planning guides, and easy instruction on cooking and the use of leftovers, will be made available online, at some Hannaford stores and food resource centers throughout Biddeford.
As the result of his efforts, Slocum was named the first City of Biddeford 51Ʒ Volunteer of the Year Award.