PCCSS is proud to announce that Putnam County High School has been selected as a participant in the Georgia Department of Education’s Culinary Innovation Schools Program, a statewide initiative designed to elevate the quality, flavor, and presentation of school meals through hands-on culinary training and support.

Through this partnership, PCHS' Nutrition Department will receive customized, on-site culinary training from Georgia Department of Education Culinary Specialists, who are professionally trained and experienced chefs. This training is designed to expand kitchen knowledge and enhance culinary skills for staff.

The program focuses on:
• Building culinary skills and kitchen confidence among school nutrition professionals
• Elevating service line presentation to increase student appeal
• Expanding the use of Georgia Grown products and locally sourced fruits and vegetables to support Georgia’s agricultural economy and promote student wellness

The Culinary Innovation Schools Program is a collaborative effort aligned with Georgia’s vision for a K-12 Culinary Culture for Quality School Meals. It empowers districts to implement sustainable changes that elevate school meal quality, student satisfaction, and overall program success. While the program is hosted at one school site, the skills and techniques learned are relevant, practical, and designed to be transferable to all schools across the district.

"This opportunity allows local school nutrition programs to reimagine what’s possible with their school meals,” said Dr. Linette Dodson, Deputy Superintendent, Georgia School Nutrition. “By combining culinary expertise with the passion and leadership of local kitchen teams, we’re creating a K12 Culinary Culture that benefits every Georgia student.

For more information about Putnam County’s participation in the program, please contact: Teena Carr Nutrition Director teena.carr@putnam.k12.ga.us 706-485-5381 ext. 5012