Military Servicemen and Women Enhance Culinary Skills, Receive Recognition at Armed Forces Forum for Culinary Excellence

ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA, Aug. 07, 2017 -- Last week, servicemen and women from all branches of the U.S. military participated in the 2017 Armed Forces Forum for Culinary Excellence to enhance their culinary skills, compete on creating healthy menu options, and be celebrated for their commitment to serve. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) hosted and funded the weeklong event, which took place at the Culinary Institute of America’s (CIA) Greystone campus in St. Helena, California.

Over 40 military service members and civilians attend the annual event in St. Helena, California.

This year’s training schedule included interactive tasting seminars, tips for “reducing fat, not flavor” and instruction on topics such as the utilization and art of the leftover—all taught by CIA instructors. The 2017 event marked the 61^st year of the restaurant industry’s commitment to the armed forces.

“Each year, we look forward to hosting the men and women who devote their lives to serving us,” said Rob Gifford, executive vice president, NRAEF. “This forum provides a select group of service members with the opportunity to learn from the best and eventually prepare themselves for meaningful careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry.”

“The NRAEF works diligently to open up a world of culinary knowledge and experience for foodservice providers of the US military,” said Dick Hynes, Chairman of the Military Advisory Group for the NRAEF. “The participants in these programs use what they’ve learned to hone their skills and build a successful future for themselves – sharing their expertise with the outstanding men and women who serve our country, and in many cases, going on to serve as chefs in world-class restaurants or even launching their own businesses in the restaurant and foodservice industry.”

The educational program includes guidance and feedback from CIA instructors and leading foodservice executives, suppliers and other industry leaders.

According to the National Restaurant Association, at least 250,000 veterans work in the restaurant industry. In addition to the Armed Forces Forum for Culinary Excellence, the NRAEF provides training and support to military foodservice personal through virtual career fairs, the Military Foodservice Awards and training programs.

The NRAEF supports all branches of the military to help servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers.

Task & Purpose's Facebook Live coverage of the 2017 Armed Forces Forum for Culinary Excellence - https://www.facebook.com/TaskandPurpose/videos/1369764646404839/ 

About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation:  As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s mission of service to the public is dedicated to enhancing the industry’s training and education, career development and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower and Advance today’s and tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice workforce.  NRAEF programs include:  ProStart® – a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready – partnering with community based organizations to provide “opportunity youth” with skills training and job opportunities; Military – helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships – financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and, the Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship Project – a partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Association providing a  hospitality apprenticeship program for the industry. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c07ad8b6-92d3-48dc-92ae-2348f616685e

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0f619f8-41c8-466c-a4f0-56b51beaf261

Jasmine Jones
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
202-315-4101
[email protected]