Tracy Carter, instructor at Holyoke Community College, received the 2025 Community Outreach Award from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education.
The national award recognizes a culinary/hospitality program or individuals making a positive impact in their community via outreach programs such as food banks, recycling efforts, skill development for the disadvantaged and other services.
Carter has committed herself to building bridges between the culinary education program at Holyoke Community College and community wellness. This year, the culinary program partnered with a local Occupational Therapy program to develop an adaptive cooking series designed for people with disabilities and their caregivers. The goal is for class participants to gain confidence in the kitchen, develop essential life skills, and foster a sense of independence and joy around food. The program is entirely hands-on, complete with accessible tools, modified recipes, and supportive instruction to meet diverse needs.
Carter believes food can break down barriers and bring people together. This program exemplifies that belief in action—merging culinary education with therapeutic outcomes to serve those who are often overlooked.
The award provided a $1,000 prize and commemorative plaque. Additionally, Carter received a complimentary registration to attend CAFÉ’s 2025 Leadership Conference held this summer in Pittsburgh.
Click here to go back to the 2025 CAFÉ award recipients list.