SEPC cooking up a sweet future for Fresh Chefs

Salena Chairez, Samantha German and Tyler Custodio have been named the recipients of the Southeast Produce Council's  its newest scholarship program – SEPC Fresh Chefs. 

Each of these three recipients will receive one $1,500 scholarship toward their educational goals for the upcoming year. In addition to the scholarship funds, each recipient will also be invited to attend SEPC’s Southern Innovations conference and expo, Sept. 14-16 in Charlotte, NC.

The SEPC will cover hotel and travel expenses to the event and will also provide an SEPC Fresh Chefs jacket for each recipient. At Southern Innovations, the scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to network with hundreds of produce industry grower-shipper members as well as the nation’s leading retailers and foodservice distributors.

“On behalf of the Southeast Produce Council, I would like to congratulate these recipients of our SEPC Fresh Chefs scholarship," said Stanley Trout, SEPC board member and foodservice committee chairman, IPC. "We are thrilled by the increase in the quantity of applicants for this scholarship opportunity. The quality of these applicants is truly something to celebrate, as well, and we are excited to be able to provide this opportunity for them, including their invitation to join us at Southern Innovations where we’ll introduce them to key innovators within the produce industry.”  

This innovative program is open annually to any full-time college or secondary education student pursuing a degree in culinary arts or restaurant management.

For more information on SEPC Fresh Chefs or other SEPC educational programs and scholarships, visit https://seproducecouncil.com/education/.

Photo (top to bottom): Salena Chairez, Samantha German and Tyler Custodio.