ALLENDALE, Mich. -- It looked as though students in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Grand Valley may have been stranded in the kitchen without a spatula. Now, they're fully equipped, some of Grand Rapids' hungry will be eating the tasty results and the students will learn lessons they wouldn't find in a typical classroom.
When kitchen space for the department's cooking laboratory became unavailable, alternative solutions were explored. That led to an opportunity for Grand Valley to partner with Degage Ministries in Grand Rapids.
When classes begin this fall, about 15 students in the food and beverage management program will plan and prepare the evening meal each Monday at Degage Ministries. The community center, located at 144 S. Division, sees 200 to 300 people a day, and offers low-cost meals, hygiene services and several support programs.
"Students will be able to learn more than fundamental cooking techniques," said Charles Baker-Clark, chair of the Hospitality and Tourism Management department at Grand Valley. "They will learn the value of contributing to a just and civil society."
Marge Palmerlee, executive director of Degage Ministries, said she is excited about the new partnership with Grand Valley.
"Our patrons will have the opportunity to experience cuisine like never before," Palmerlee said. "We're excited to offer something of this quality. The students will be cooking two entrees and will even be serving the meals on china. We usually use disposable plates."
Palmerlee said the Monday night meals will be like eating in a fine restaurant * something the patrons at Degage deserve.
For more information, contact Charles Baker-Clark at 616-331-3118 or Marge Palmerlee at 616-454-1661.
