“Food is community and connection.”

This is the philosophy Shayla Felton-Dorsey uses as the chef at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Edible Alphabet program.

The once-a-week, three-hour class teaches English vocabulary, phrases and conversation skills to participants while also cooking dishes and learning more about the ingredients.

The program offers participants the opportunity to learn about other cultures and apply this knowledge to Philadelphia.

“I would say the program is unique because of the connection to the community,” Felton-Dorsey said. “I love that when everyone comes in they speak in English and they’re like, ‘My English is no good’ and I’m like, ‘I understood you perfectly.’ ”

Chef Shayla Felton-Dorsey assists two English language learners as they prepare a rice dish

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