Vernon Schools Seeking Trained Chef 'To Elevate School Meal Program'

VERNON, CT — They don't necessarily need Gordon Ramsey and they are certainly not Hell's kitchens, but the school cafeterias in Vernon are looking to hire a trained chef to give the menus a boost.

School system officials Thursday said that Vernon the Connecticut State Department of Education's Chefs to Schools Grant, which represents, "a significant step forward in the district’s ongoing commitment to providing fresh, nutritious, and locally sourced meals to students," education officials said.

With the funding, the school system is launching an initiative to hire a professional chef to "enhance school meal quality, support kitchen staff training, and strengthen local food integration in Vernon's cafeterias."

It's been a longtime goal of said Elizabeth Fisher, the school system's director of food and nutrition services.

"Having a trained chef in our kitchens will allow us to enhance the quality, flavor, and variety of our meals, while keeping nutrition at the forefront,” Fisher said. "Our goal is to create meals that not only meet high nutritional standards but also excite and satisfy our students, encouraging them to eat well and enjoy their dining experience at school."

Here is the job description:

Vernon Public Schools is now seeking a passionate, skilled chef to join the district’s food service team.

The new chef will play a critical role in transforming school meals by:

• Developing and preparing fresh, scratch-made meals featuring locally sourced ingredients.
• Training school nutrition staff in knife skills, scratch cooking techniques, and efficient meal
preparation.
• Creating culturally relevant, student-approved recipes to enhance meal variety and participation.
• Minimizing food waste and optimizing kitchen workflows to improve sustainability and efficiency.

Vernon Public Schools has already established strong partnerships with local farms, including Cloverleigh Farm, to ensure a steady supply of high-quality produce. The addition of a chef will allow the district to maximize the potential of these partnerships, ensuring that fresh, local food is not only purchased but also skillfully prepared and enjoyed by students.

"This chef position reflects our district’s deep commitment to strengthening our local food system and ensuring that fresh ingredients make it onto students’ trays," Vernon Public Schools Farm-to-School Coordinator Kaylee Carlisle said. "By investing in culinary expertise, we are not only bettering the school meal experience but also supporting local farmers, boosting our regional economy, and promoting public health. This role is a testament to the value we place on scratch cooking, sustainability, and the power of good food to nourish our students."

Added school officials, "The district encourages experienced chefs with a passion for food education and community impact to apply."

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Interested candidates can find more information and application details at:

• https://www.vernonpublicschools.org/departments/human-resources/employment