Community Drop-In Center activity helps youth connect healthy food, curiosity, and belonging

Sweet peppers, salad, grilled chicken, and reflection questions were part of Boxwood Learning Center’s Food Zone experience.

ROSELLE, N.J., July 9, 2026 — Boxwood Learning Center youth learned about sweet peppers this week as part of the organization’s ongoing effort to honor the fruits and vegetables that growing bodies need.

The activity was part of Boxwood’s Food Zone, where youth are invited to taste, learn, ask questions, and experience healthy food in a way that feels meaningful and memorable. This week, youth learned that sweet peppers contain antioxidants, which help support the body as it recovers from physical activity, stress, illness, and the demands of everyday life.

To the surprise of staff, one teen shared that the Food Zone was his favorite zone of the week. Another young person, eyes widened with amazement, told his mother that the food was “spectacular.”

“We were amazed ourselves,” said Marie Thelusma-Chase, Founder and CEO of Boxwood Learning Center. “Who would have thought that vegetables such as green peppers could be honored and presented in such a special way — all through the eyes of a 12-year-old?”

The week’s Food Zone featured grilled kebabs with chicken, yellow peppers, green peppers, and red peppers, along with salad and fresh fruit. Youth also reflected on questions such as, “What would the world be like without sweet peppers?” and explored the role of color, vitamin C, antioxidants, and recovery in healthy eating.

One moment especially stayed with staff. Thelusma-Chase described trying to capture the expression of “Aaron,” whose name has been changed for privacy, as he looked up at his mother with light brown eyes widened in amazement. When asked how the food was, Aaron responded with one word: “Spectacular.” He, along with many of the boys, lined back up for more grilled kebabs.

“It was a beautiful reminder that when healthy food is prepared with care, creativity, and love, young people respond,” said Thelusma-Chase. “Even something as simple as a sweet pepper can become part of a memorable experience.”

The Food Zone is one part of Boxwood’s larger Community Drop-In Center model, which combines safe space, mentoring, hands-on learning, restorative support, life skills, and community-based activities for Union County youth.

At Boxwood, love has many colors — healing, learning, protection, innovation, food, laughter, and second chances.

Through experiences like the Food Zone, Boxwood continues to support champions on their pathway to success by helping young people feel seen, nourished, curious, and connected to the community around them.

Photos from the Food Zone

Sweet peppers were featured as part of the week’s lesson on fruits and vegetables that support growing bodies.

An AmeriCorps member supports the Food Zone experience as grilled chicken is prepared for youth.

About Boxwood Learning Center

Boxwood Learning Center is a nonprofit organization serving youth and young adults through alternative education, GED preparation, tutoring, mentoring, career exploration, restorative circles, food and wellness experiences, and workforce pathways. Founded in 2019, Boxwood supports champions with long-term care and opportunity so they can heal, learn, and thrive.