Skip to the content 
Worldchefs’ Feed the Planet program is continuing to make a tangible difference around the world, with recent success stories from the EcoFood Training and Certification Agency in Saint Lucia.
This Caribbean island nation, known for its vibrant tourism industry and diverse food culture, has faced challenges related to food security, climate change, and an over-reliance on imported goods. However, local efforts, bolstered by Feed the Planet’s sustainability programs, are striving for a shift toward a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Recognizing the importance of creating a more self-sufficient and sustainable food system, EcoFood Training and Certification Agency, led by CEO Jordann Norbert, has sought to help change the future of the island’s food systems. As the agency’s goals aligned closely with the objectives of Worldchefs’ Feed the Planet programs, a collaboration began, aiming to empower local food professionals through education in sustainable practices and culinary skills.
The Start of a Powerful Collaboration
To begin this strategic collaboration, EcoFood introduced the Like a Chef program in Saint Lucia, an employment training program that equips underserved communities with culinary workplace skills. The course promotes sustainable cooking with a zero food waste approach, designed to provide essential culinary skills and promote sustainability within the food industry.
Over a 12-week training period, participants learned the fundamentals of culinary operations through Worldchefs Academy’s Pre-Commis Chef curriculum. This included practical modules on knife skills, salads, stocks, soups, poultry, cakes, and desserts, coupled with lessons on business operations and food entrepreneurship.
The program also incorporated Worldchefs’ Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals curriculum, empowering participants even further to integrate sustainable practices into their kitchens. This comprehensive approach equipped the chefs with the tools necessary to contribute positively to the environment, helping to reduce food waste, promoting local ingredients, and encouraging sustainable sourcing, responding to Saint Lucia’s food system needs.
Training the Next Generation of Culinary Professionals
The Like a Chef program not only focused on skills development but also on job readiness. Participants received job training, including resume building and soft skills development. To further enhance their employability, several students were placed into internships with local restaurants and hotels. The program’s impact is evident, with 35% of participants engaging in internships, 24% securing employment, and 40% pursuing self-employment.
The Like a Chef participants also made an impact in classrooms of Saint Lucia, hosting a Food Heroes Challenge workshop at local schools. The workshop aimed at educating children about sustainable food practices and engaged 60 students between the ages of 8-12 years old.
Program Outcomes and Impact
The 2024 Like a Chef program in Saint Lucia featured three cohorts, with a total of 26 participants. Of the participants, 80% were aged 17-35, with a smaller group of 20% over 35. In addition to the culinary and sustainability training, the program also provided education on food business fundamentals, including the financial aspects of running a food business and how to craft a strong business plan.
With 3 cohorts completing the program throughout 2024 in Saint Lucia, changed lives and inspiring stories were displayed among the 26 total participants.
Underscoring the success of this program, EcoFood Training & Certification Agency was awarded for their work in Saint Lucia in the category of Food Security and Nutrition 2023-2024 under SLUDTERA’s Anita James Social Impact Award. The impact of the program is already being felt, with plans for 2025 to further expand the reach of the program to include food operators, school cooks, and more underserved communities across Saint Lucia. The next cohort is set to begin in June.
The Future of Feed the Planet Programs in Saint Lucia
The EcoFood Training and Certification Agency remains committed to its mission of creating sustainable food systems in the Caribbean, and with the ongoing support of Worldchefs and the Electrolux Food Foundation, the Like a Chef program will continue to make a profound difference in both the lives of individuals and the broader food system in Saint Lucia.
As the world faces increasing challenges related to climate change and food security, initiatives like these will continue to inspire change, promote sustainability, and empower the next generation of culinary professionals.
To learn more about Feed the Planet, discover our latest episode of World on a Plate, with Chair Shonah Chalmers:
Explore Worldchefs’ Feed the Planet initiatives here.
