The ‘Third Grade Class’ of Northwest Elementary School in Hudson, FL and Gulfside Elementary School in Holiday, FL acknowledged the end of another school year as they participated in the annual “Year End Harvest” of their schoolyard gardens. Chefs Ray Benton and Vince Blancato, of the Tampa chapter of the American Culinary Federation, lead the students in harvesting the fruits and vegetables from their garden for the final Chef and Child event of the school y
The students also learned about “alternative proteins” 
such as crickets and meal worms that by weight deliver more protein than cattle and globally more than two (2) billion people consume some type of insects as part of their diet. The students enjoyed their garden vegetables, banana and mango smoothies, roasted crickets and meal worms along with “Wormy Chocolate Chirpy Cookies”.
About the ACF Tampa Bay Chapter:
Our chapter’s purpose is the advancement of the culinary profession and culinary awareness through education and certification of the membership and close interaction with other local organizations. The chapter membership is composed of chefs, cooks, culinary educators, students, and purveyors from Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas Counties and the surrounding metro area. Our primary local outreach program is the ACF Educational Foundation’s Chef & Child Initiative, an ongoing program whereby our chapter chefs educate children and families in understanding proper nutrition by providing tools and resources for community-based programs led by American Culinary Federation chef members.
About the American Culinary Federation:
The American Culinary Federation, Inc. is a professional, not-for-profit organization for chefs and cooks. It was founded in 1929 in New York City by three Chefs organizations: the Societe Culinaire Philanthropique, the Vatel Club and the Chefs Association of America. The principle goal of the founding chefs remains true to the ACF today – to promote the professional image of American chefs worldwide through education among culinarians at all levels, from apprentices to the most accomplished Certified Master Chefs. Successful culinarians know the value of belonging to the oldest and largest organization of chefs and cooks in the United States.
Chapter Information:
Tampa Chapter American Culinary Federation
Chapter Contact:
Tim Nicholson, Membership Chairman