Culinary Arts students from the New Haven Job Corps Center were the recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their continuous efforts in helping out at the Connecticut Food Bank.   The award, presented by President Obama’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, was “in recognition and appreciation of their commitment to strengthening our Nation for making a difference through volunteer service.”  With that came a letter of congratulations signed by President Obama addressed to Chef Alison Heery, which she accepted on behalf of her students.

 The President’s Volunteer Service Award program was established in 2002 to honor volunteers that give hundreds of hours per year helping others.  These volunteers can be individuals, families, or organizations located throughout the United States.  Recognizing and honoring volunteers sets a standard for service, encourages a sustained commitment to civic participation, and inspires others to make service a central part of their lives.

 For several years now, New Haven Culinary Arts students have been volunteering once a month at the food bank and helping other agencies that feed the hungry.

 To date, the President’s Council has partnered with more than 80 Leadership Organizations and more than 28,000 Certifying Organizations to bestow more than 1.5 million awards to the Nations’ deserving volunteers.