2 minute read
ACF Chefs Volunteer for a Day of Service During Convention
from National Culinary Review (September/October 2024)
by National Culinary Review (an American Culinary Federation publication)
By ACF Chef Vanessa N. Marquis, CEC, AAC, president, ACF Tampa Bay chapter, and chair, ACFEF Chef & Child Initiative Task Force
During the 2024 ACF National Convention in Phoenix, the ACFEF Chef & Child Committee and ACF national board members launched "Operation Chefs: A Recipe for Change. The overwhelming number of ACF members who volunteered was so generous that we had to turn some away.
The day began with volunteers meeting at UMOM Day Center with the ACF Chef’s Association of Arizona for a hands-on workshop where we taught kids how to prep produce for healthy, non-dairy gelato bowls, part of the ACFEF Chef & Child Initiative. This event was sponsored by Villa Dolce Gelato, Catalyst Kitchens and Laura’s Gourmet Granola. Additionally, volunteers assembled produce boxes given to the children and their families, donated by Peddler’s Son.
Later that day, another group of ACF members delivered 27 cases of shelfstable items and hygiene kits to Catholic Charities’ MANA House, a home for 75 U.S. veterans. This home represents all branches of service, including the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. The group toured the facility, organized the pantry, prepped food for the week, served dinner to the veterans, distributed hygiene kits and T-shirts and spent time speaking with our heroes. We thank all of our ACF exhibitors, sponsors and volunteer ministers who donated items for the home. MANA House residents were extremely grateful.
After a long and rewarding day at both events, our members left with warm hearts, united by the shared experience of giving back. We hope this inspires our chefs to return to their chapters and organize similar events to benefit their communities through the ACFEF Chef & Child Initiative or in support of our veterans. Be sure to look for more info on next year’s volunteer opportunities through Operation Chefs, A Recipe for Change. For more information on the ACFEF Chef & Child Initiative, visit acfchefs.org/ Partnerships
Click here for more stories from the Sept/Oct 2024 issue of National Culinary Review, published by the American Culinary Federation.
