Sous Chef @ Preferred Hospitality Inc. | 5+ Years of Culinary | Home-Style Cooking | Restaurant-Style Cooking
I recently started my Masters program in Food Business Management at The Culinary Institute of America. The past few weeks of my classes have ignited my desire to pursue cultural integration in food service. In the world of food service, especially within colleges and universities, there’s a growing recognition that food is more than just sustenance—it’s a reflection of cultural identity, history, and community. With student populations becoming increasingly diverse, understanding and integrating cultural backgrounds into menu planning is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Providing culturally relevant meals not only enriches the student experience but also fosters inclusivity and belonging on campus. By offering dishes that resonate with students’ heritage, we create an environment where they feel seen, respected, and valued. For food service providers, this means actively engaging with students, understanding their cultural preferences, and being adaptable. It’s about creating a dynamic menu that celebrates diversity, builds connections, and supports students in maintaining their personal and cultural identities while away from home. Let’s continue pushing for culturally integrated food service models that reflect the richness of our student communities. Food truly has the power to unite, and the more we acknowledge this in our services, the better we can serve the students of today. #CulturalIntegration #FoodService #DiversityAndInclusion #HigherEd #CampusDining #StudentExperience
