MOBOCES is once again hosting the New York State Education Department's Professional Cooking Program this July. The program is designed to advance the skills of school food service workers and managers statewide through hands-on learning and a comprehensive curriculum.

Participants spend a four-day week at MOBOCES learning to enhance operational efficiency and culinary creativity in school kitchens. Participants gain valuable insights into proper techniques and best practices, equipping them to effectively manage both kitchen operations and administrative tasks. Moreover, the program introduces innovative dishes that align with nutritional standards and utilize readily available school kitchen ingredients.

The program offers four sessions, allowing nearly 200 food service professionals to participate over the summer.

Each Wednesday, they present a buffet of the hot foods, cold foods and desserts they have prepared that week, showcasing their culinary creations for staff sampling. Surplus food from the program is donated daily to the Rome Rescue Mission to support the local community.