This story was written by Ariel West, CHHS Journalism Student.
Nothing makes some teachers more excited than receiving an email from Chef Chris Booth, Culinary Arts teacher. A Google Form to order lunch from the Culinary Arts department is an opportunity for teachers to take a day off from planning and packing their lunches.
“It makes my life easier because one of my least favorite chores is making my lunch, and with pickup, I don't have to worry about that,” said Mrs. Casey Crow, English 10 teacher.
Some teachers might not have the time to prepare lunch before coming to school; therefore, the culinary program provides a helping hand to teachers who already have enough to do on their schedule. With this program, teachers have one less meal that they must come up with, shop for and prepare.
“Ordering lunch from culinary means I don't have to fix my lunch for that day, which is a nice break for me,” said Ms. Lee Legard, Spanish 1 teacher.
This lunch delivery program is just as beneficial to the culinary arts students as it is to teachers. Students learn valuable life skills from the culinary program that will prepare them for their future.
“It gives them skills that they are going to be able to use in their personal lives and also gives students collaborative skills and teaches them how to work with others in a team environment,” said Chef Booth.
While providing meals to teachers, students also learn about the business side of the culinary world. The culinary classes make a profit to help their program by selling meals to teachers. The profits they make go to buying their kitchenware and their ingredients so they can continue to make meals for teachers.
“We need to continue to bring in revenue and enterprise to our curriculum, and we have an audience here that is very loyal, receptive and easy to work with,” said Chef Booth.
Teachers enjoy not only eating a good meal, but also supporting the program.
“I enjoy ordering food from the culinary program because I like contributing to our school programs and their food is good,” said Ms. Legard.
Many teachers have expressed that they have a favorite item from the culinary menu. Some of the favorites include chicken and dumplings, quiche, salad and chocolate cupcakes.
“I love that our culinary program offers the lunches,” said Ms. Legard. “I also want the culinary students to know that the staff really appreciates what they do.”