Chef Bringing A Whole New Experience To Middletown School Meals

MIDDLETOWN, CT — School meals are about to seriously improve in Middletown.

School system officials Monday said that they have been been awarded a Connecticut Department of Education Chefs to Schools Grant and Chef Kashia Diaz has been appointed executive chef.

The move became effective Monday.

"These steps mark significant steps in the district's initiative to transform school meals through scratch cooking, culturally responsive menus, and locally sourced ingredients," school system officials said.

The Chefs to Schools Grant will support the district's efforts to "elevate meal offerings while maintaining high nutritional standards."

Said Randall Mel, the director of food, nutrition, and wellness services for the school district. "This grant gives us an opportunity to enhance our meal offerings by focusing on scratch cooking and increasing the variety and appeal of our menu options. Our goal is to not only meet high nutritional standards but also create meals that our students love; meals that reflect the diverse tastes and cultures within our community."

Chef Diaz brings 17 years of culinary education and food systems leadership experience to her new role. As owner of KD Gastronomy Consulting LLC and founder of My City Kitchen, a public charity focused on culinary arts education, Chef Diaz has established international partnerships.

She has represented Connecticut Netflix's "Carb-Loaded" documentary.

A graduate of Lincoln Culinary Institute and the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, Chef Diaz has received numerous recognitions, including the Paul Harris Fellow Award (2024) from Rotary International and Lion's International Citizen of the Year (2017).

In her position as executive chef, Diaz will do what the grant seeks to accomplish — develop nutritious meals using local ingredients, introduce scratch-cooking techniques, create culturally inclusive recipes, and support sustainable kitchen practices.

"This initiative is about more than simply improving the food we serve. It’s about empowering our team, supporting local agriculture, and creating a healthier, more inclusive community," Mel said. "With Chef Kashia's experience and vision, we're excited to reimagine what school food can be: nourishing, educational, and a true celebration of culture."