Basic American Foods presents PCI with Chefs of Tomorrow Grant

At the 2010 National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) conference, Basic American Foods honored the Professional Culinary Institute (PCI) with a $500 Chefs of Tomorrow grant. Chef Gary J. Prell, president and CEO of the institute, accepted the grant at the San Jose Convention Center on July 9.

(l to r) Chef Gary J. Prell receives the Chefs of Tomorrow grant from Mike Villano, vice president of sales for Basic American Foods

"Because we're aware of the highly competitive nature of our industry, we not only provide students the opportunity to learn and practice skills from master craftsmen in their fields, but we also instill the behaviors most sought by employers," said Prell upon accepting the grant. "The funds presented by Basic American Foods will be used to support the Professional Culinary Institute's faculty and student endeavors in a variety of culinary and baking and pastry competitions."

Chicago-based Olson Communications founded Chefs of Tomorrow in 2008 to fund grants to high school and postsecondary culinary educators.