A Culinary Star Talks Turkey with “The Queen of Protein” and Partners to Celebrate Our Nation’s School Cafeteria Staff
Carla Hall, esteemed chef, cookbook author and beloved TV personality, brightened our city by making Houston a stop on her nationwide tour with Jennie-O®, “The Queen of Protein.” Carla and the Jennie-O team appeared at Mandarin Immersion Magnet School in Bellaire to honor school cafeteria staff as the duo hosted School Cafeteria Takeovers. This partnership visits schools across the country to recognize these quiet champions who are a substantial part of the support system in the education of our children.
Carla states, “I have been having an incredible time with Jennie-O, together honoring cafeteria staff across the nation — first in Knoxville, then Los Angeles, and now in lovely Houston. Cafeteria staff are truly the unsung heroes of our schools. They do so much for our kids – from feeding them to putting smiles on their faces. And we know how vital it is for our kids to have proper nutrition and good protein to help sustain them through their studies, sports, activities and more.”
Hall and the Jennie-O® brand team worked together to develop a grazing table for the school cafeteria staff to enjoy today. During the event, Hall, renowned for her homemade biscuits, led a baking tutorial with school cafeteria staff. Not to be outdone, MIMS students taught Carla a few phrases in Mandarin.
Additionally, Jennie-O® will bring in local businesses to offer refreshments and relaxing amenities for school cafeteria heroes, including chair massages. Finally, staff will receive heartfelt notes of gratitude from the student body.
As part of the School Cafeteria Takeovers program with Hall, the makers of the Jennie-O® brand will provide $25,000 in kitchen equipment to four additional schools throughout the Spring to help fulfill wish lists for cafeterias in need of new equipment and supplies.
Mandarin Immersion Magnet School‘s Principal Cindy Tiet said, “It did not take me long to see how hard our cafeteria staff works each and every day to make sure our students are fed with nutritional food so they are ready to learn. They serve our students with smiles on their faces and love through their cooking! We are so thankful to Chef Carla Hall and Jennie-O® brand for the opportunity to show our gratitude and appreciation by being able to serve and pamper them!”
