Join the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence on Saturday, Oct. 25, for Sabor Montclair! Enjoy dishes from local chefs, live music, and stories that reflect the rich diversity of our town – where everyone has a place at the table.
Now in its fifth year, this fundraiser supports MFEE and its work with more than 150 multilingual students who attend Montclair Public Schools. Families who are part of MFEE’s programming helped design this event, which features delicious takeout meals that highlight their culture and traditions.
How Sabor Montclair! Works:
- Donate and reserve your meal.
- On Oct. 25, pick up your dinner at your reserved time. (Union Congregational Church, 176 Cooper Ave., Montclair)
- Volunteers bring the food to your car, so you don’t need to find parking.
- Enjoy a meal at home, prepared by some of your Montclair neighbors!
“I am thrilled to join the Montclair community in celebrating this year’s Sabor Montclair and its theme, Everyone Has a Place at the Table. This message reflects the very heart of who we are as a district—diverse, inclusive, and united in our belief that every student and family belongs,” said Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner. “The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) has been a steadfast partner to our schools, consistently investing in innovative programs, resources, and opportunities that enrich the lives of our students and strengthen our families. Their work ensures that every child has the support needed to thrive, and we are grateful for this partnership that uplifts and empowers the entire Montclair community.”
To take part in the celebration, students at Edgemont Montessori and Northeast elementary schools will be drawing pictures illustrating the people, culture and traditions of their family tables.
There will be new and favorite menu items this year!
Each takeout dinner includes a tasting platter, which includes:
- Tacos de Pernil (slow roasted, marinated pork) with pico de gallo and our famous green salsa
- Pupusas de Frijol con Queso/Cornmeal Griddle Cake with Beans and Cheese
- Gallo Pinto/Seasoned Beans and Rice
- Platanos Maduros/Fried, ripe sweet plantains
- Mexican Cinnamon Cookies
“This fundraiser is more than a meal. It’s a celebration of the cultures, stories, and languages that make our community so vibrant,” said Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, MFEE’s executive director. “‘Where everyone has a seat at the table’ isn’t just a tagline – it’s an idea central to our organization’s mission. We’re proud to create a space where new neighbors feel truly welcome and where our town’s diversity is something we celebrate together.”
Non-English-speaking parents face many barriers in navigating public schools and supporting their children, and students can struggle to access fundamental resources. That’s where MFEE comes in. It runs bilingual afterschool tutoring programs for elementary students and teens, provides digital literacy classes, a summer math intensive and bilingual enrichment camps, a teen entrepreneurship program, a mother’s empowerment group, and holistically supports families to address health, food, employment, and education needs.
Last year’s event sold out – a record 270 meals! So don’t miss the chance to taste delicious, authentic food prepared by local chefs from El Salvador, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Mexico.
Reserve at https://www.mfee.org/sabormontclair.
