President's Message

Hello to all Members & Partners,

Welcome to this season Fall weather as the temperature drops and the holiday parties begin for the culinary industry. Once the leaf’s change color and they begin to market Pumpkin Spice we know to pull out the sweaters and warm weather clothes. Thankfully most of us work in a warm kitchen. 

Recently our Partners at Athena Farms hosted a great open house that showed multiple products that they offer to all of us in the Atlanta market and beyond. They focus on customer service while suppling top line products that are amazing to use in our kitchen. We recommend them to anyone looking for the best customer service.

We recently all heard the news that the Art Institute of Atlanta has closed and is no longer operating nationally as well. We are reaching out to current and past students to help in any way possible. If you are an AIA student please reach out if you are in need of guidance in the culinary arena of Atlanta.

I am happy to report the first community volunteer day on September 8th in partnership with CMAA Georgia was a full success with Choices as the community outreach event. They helped feed 800+ families that are in need. Great Job to all that attended and helped.

Thank you to all of our members and Partners that continue to support use each and every year. Keep informed by following us on all social media accounts. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube

I look forward to see each and every one of you at the next  ACF Atlanta Chefs Association event. Thank You!

We are not a team because we work together. We are a team because we respect, trust and care for each other.

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Welcome New Members

The American Culinary Federation-Atlanta Chefs Association, Inc (ACF-ACA) is a chef driven organization to promote professionalism in the kitchens of Atlanta, the surrounding metro area and to the borders of the state of Georgia. ACF-ACA invests in the careers of its members by effectively equipping them with the tools needed to succeed in the industry. Brings together hard-working chefs, cooks, chef educators, pastry chefs, bakers, caterers, culinary enthusiasts, industry purveyors, culinary students and other culinarians through networking, education, certification, camaraderie and community service are just a few initiatives of ACF-ACA.

“We gain strength as we strengthen those around us!” Working together for the betterment of the culinary industry is the catalyst that unleashes the potential in our members. Providing them the tools of education, certification and networking opportunities elevates our organization above the rest.

To join ACF Atlanta Chefs and your ACF Membership is both a national and local experience. Local ACF Chapter meetings are the perfect way to network, develop professionally and maybe even find your next job.

To join ACF Atlanta Chefs: Click Here

Thank you to all the ACF Atlanta Chefs Members who renewed their membership!

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ACF Atlanta Chef Happenings

ACF Atlanta Chefs have had another busy month with events across the metro Atlanta area.  We had a great group of chefs come out to volunteer with Chef Ashley Keyes at Rosel Fann Recreational Center along with our CMAA partners.  C.H.O.I.C.E.S. is hosting a FREE mobile food pantry for families and seniors in need of groceries and produce.  C.H.O.I.C.E.S hosts mobile pantries for families and seniors in need of groceries and produce. ACF Atlanta Chefs Association, Inc. and CMAA Georgia Chapter came together for Community Outreach Day. Together we can make a difference. We served over 800 families handing out over 37K pounds of food to those in the Metro Atlanta area. Together we stive towards creating a healthier community by providing meals to our community. If you want to volunteer, please follow Choices4kids on Facebook or Instagram.  Please enjoy our recap video!

Republic National Distributing Company and Farmers & Fishermen teamed up On September 19th to bring us an extravaganza like none other!  Their annual Food, Wine and Spirit Trade Show at Savannah Hall at the Atlanta Zoo had several of our members and students assist with action stations. Farmers and Fishermen Food Show showcased their Quality food delivery service of meat, seafood, delectable ingredients and so much more.

Then to round out our month, ACF Atlanta Chefs Association, Inc. had the pleasure to host a meet-up at Athena Farms! We had a great Chapter Update from Chef Nick! Enjoys Athena Farms tasting selections from, DAILY’S PREMIUM MEATS, PERRICONE FARMS, ROLAND FOODS, BELGIOIOSO CHEESES, SWEET GRASS DAIRY, and SOFO FOODS.  Athena Farms blends high-quality products, enhanced food safety practices, and outstanding customer service to consistently deliver our customers everything they need to succeed. They have fresh, local produce. A complete product catalog filled with over 7,000 foodservice solutions. And the finest customer service in Atlanta. We got to see their new products, and have some fun. And if you missed Butch from Southern Knife Guys outside sharpening knives you can schedule a sharpening at your location by calling Joe at 470-239-0153.

 Athena Farms Sales representatives are just a phone call, text, or email away. Phone: 404-362-9390
[email protected]

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Partners Spotlight

Save More With Your Club Procure Membership:

Immediate Alignment Programs

Recognize cost savings from multiple supplier partners by simply providing your vendor account number.

Invoice Analysis Programs 

We specialize in analyzing volume reports and contract-driven invoices to see if there are cost savings within our portfolio of partners.

Capital Equipment Purchases 

Utilizing leveraged buying power (3500+ clubs), we are able to lower your purchasing costs, saving you time and money.

Request For Quotes

Our vendor relationships allow us to dig into any future or immediate purchases to ensure your dollar is maximized.

Visit our website to learn more or contact the Club Procure Team to get started!

https://www.clubprocure.com/

1.800.363.5480

[email protected]

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ACF NATIONAL NEWS

Our ACF National Website has so much to offer members.  Did you know about the following programs? 

Education:

ACF offers a variety of programs for all levels, from student to seasoned professional, to support your education, advance your career, earn and maintain ACF certification, and ensure the culinary program you’re attending meets industry standards. With ACF’s recognition programs, you can add value to your courses and events by offering CEHs, verify your culinary program meets industry standards and qualify for federal funding through accreditation.

Find Education Opportunities:

Students, learn about the different pathways to earn ACF certification and find a secondary, postsecondary or apprenticeship program that meets ACF’s industry standards. Professionals, enhance your skills and maintain your ACF certification with ACF and ACF-approved courses and programs. Earn a specialized certificate to increase your professional opportunities. Instructors, learn about tools available to support your existing curriculum. Need financial support? Apply for a scholarship or grant.

• Find Education Opportunities

Earn Program Recognition:

Qualify for federal funding and validate your post-secondary and secondary programs with ACFEF accreditation. Add value and verify that your certificate or training program meets industry standards with ACF’s approved status. Increase visibility and attendance for your courses and events by offering CEHs.

• Earn Program Recognition

Start an ACF Program

If you are looking for a training program for your staff or students, implement an ACF apprenticeship or training program. You will have access to knowledge and skills competencies that are industry-approved. Trainees and apprentices will qualify for ACF certification at the end of the program.

• Start an ACF Program

ACF Online Learning Center

ACF is excited to announce the launch of ACF's Online Learning Center with additional opportunities to enhance your skills, advance your career and maintain your ACF certification. Take online classes, quizzes and practice written certification exams all in one place. Watch recorded sessions from ACF events if you were unable to attend. ACF members, your continuing education hours will be automatically uploaded to your profile.

To learn more go to acfchefs.org

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Wellness Resources

Local Resources for Food Service Workers

Giving Kitchen provides emergency assistance for food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources. Click on the Image to learn more!

Giving Kitchen

What Does Giving Kitchen Do?

Giving Kitchen helps food service workers! Download this flyer to educate your staff and coworkers so that any food service worker who needs help can find their way to Giving Kitchen.
Visit our What We Do page for even more information.

How We’re Prioritizing Mental Health

• Mind Matters: We focus on mental health year-round, but every May, we dedicate the entire month to destigmatizing mental health conversations in the food service industry. Check it out here.

• QPR Suicide Prevention Training: QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer - three steps anyone can learn to prevent suicide. Learn these skills through a 45-minute course from QPR Institute. This training is FREE for food service workers using Giving Kitchen’s special code: GKQPR.

• Substance Abuse Recovery Initiative: Food service workers who undergo inpatient treatment for substance abuse may be eligible to receive financial assistance from Giving Kitchen. Any food service worker in the country can contact Stability Network for referrals to recovery services. The first step for anyone asking for help from GK is to fill out the Ask For Help form.

ACF’s Wellness Partners

Have a look at this new list of Wellness Resources produced by ACF’s Work Life Balance Task Force. The goal is to help members address critical mental wellness concepts and improve the culture in their own kitchens and workplaces.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. For help, dial 988.

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