The Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF) and Fight2Feed is thrilled to announce its annual ProStart® Sustainability Summer Camp, taking place this August. In partnership with the Democratic National Convention, this year’s camp will provide high school and post-secondary culinary and hospitality students with an unparalleled opportunity to learn valuable culinary and sustainability skills while making a positive impact on the environment and their community.
Camp participants will gain hands-on experience in sustainability, composting food rescue, inventory management, menu planning, cooking techniques, and distribution all while earning a Sustainability & Composting Certificate. The meals prepared by students will be distributed to those in need through Fight2Feed, a leading, local food rescue organization.
“This camp is more than just cooking; it’s about fostering the next generation of food industry leaders who are passionate about sustainability and giving back,” said Jessica Blomquist, Executive Director of IRAEF. “By combining culinary education with real-world experience, we are equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the hospitality industry and make a difference in their communities.”
Fight2Feed, a 100% volunteer-run organization, has been rescuing food and feeding the hungry in Chicagoland for over a decade. By partnering with IRAEF and the DNC, Fight2Feed aims to measure the waste diversion impact of rescued food from conventions, reducing carbon footprints and supporting local communities.
Support this impactful program year-round: Donations, funding, volunteers, culinary experts, business professionals, sustainability advocates, and expert speakers are encouraged to get involved in our upcoming programming. To learn more or to become a partner, please contact Jessica Lamers Blomquist at info@illinoisrestaurants.org.
About the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
The Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF) a 501c (3) charitable organization is committed to providing educational opportunities, scholarships, jobs, internships, training and resources to the restaurant and hospitality industry. Through programs like ProStart®, IRAEF empowers students to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workforce. Donate today at https://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/donations
About Fight2Feed
Fight2Feed is a 501c (3) charitable organization on a mission to put an end to hunger and reduce food waste, starting with our own communities. We began our journey on March 20, 2014, in Chicago, IL to make change happen in our neighborhoods one block at a time. We have to date served over 800,000 meals and rescue over 3 million pounds of food. Donate today at: https://fight2feed.org/#gi-donate
