An Opelika High School career tech instructor received the 2024 Runner Up Green Award for her commitment to teaching sustainability and its importance in culinary education.
Chef Judy Eldred earned the national award, which is sponsored by the United Soybean Board and the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education.
Eldred addressed sustainability and food waste management in a hands-on way through a mutually beneficial partnership with the school’s agriculture program. The agriculture program provided the culinary program with farm-to-table ingredients, including an aquaponics set-up that grew herbs, lettuce and market-size tilapia.
They also provided seasonal produce and eggs. In return, the culinary students gave the program items for composting.
The goal was to foster a culture of environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility among students while increasing awareness about the origin of the food. Various school events provided the program with a platform to demonstrate their collaborative endeavors with …