School Kitchen Workers Get a Chance to Learn from Chefs

Chef Larry Nibbs of St. Thomas, center, offers kitchen tips and instruction on food prep. (Photo submitted by Government House)
Chef Larry Nibbs of St. Thomas, center, offers kitchen tips and instruction on food prep. (Photo submitted by Government House)

School-based kitchen workers had the opportunity to learn from culinary professionals as part of the American Federation of Teachers professional development day.

According to a news release Government House, the Shadow A Chef Enrichment Program, was held Friday on St. Thomas and Monday on St. Croix.

The training day was executed in two parts, according to the news release. Part one provided participants greater understanding of food handling and safety, while part two saw cooks learning meal preparation techniques.

Presenters for the food handling and safety presentations were Juanita Johannes, assistant director for the division of environmental health, and Wanson Harris Jr., CIH, COHC, Director of Environmental Health.

St. Croix chefs Ralph Motta, Lamar Bough and Frank Robinson display tasty school lunches. (Photo submitted by Government House)
St. Croix chefs Ralph Motta, Lamar Bough and Frank Robinson display tasty school lunches. (Photo submitted by Government House)

Chefs Larry Nibbs and Shamoy Burton of St. Thomas and Chefs Ralph Motta, Lamar Bough and Frank Robinson of St. Croix volunteered their time and talents to engage food service workers in hands-on sessions involving food preparation, menu development and product enhancement. Participants in both districts were able to prepare and enjoy a complete meal using federally approved food items.

On St. Croix, the service workers took the time to honor and remember Juanita Gardine Elementary School kitchen manager Sandra Cartier, who recently passed away. Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and first lady Yolanda Bryan extend their condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Cartier and encourage all to remember her as the vibrant, encouraging and enthusiastic soul she was.

The First Lady reinforced her commitment to working with the leadership of the Department of Education, the School Food Authority and local organizations and professionals to develop innovative ways to provide support to the staff that serve the territory’s students.

Juanita Johannes, assistant director for the Division of Environmental Health, gives a presentation about safe food handling. (Photo submitted by Government House)
Juanita Johannes, assistant director for the Division of Environmental Health, gives a presentation about safe food handling. (Photo submitted by Government House)