Western Iowa Tech Community College's Culinary Arts program recently cooked up creative ways to support students and staff. The program assembled meal kits filled with all the ingredients and spices needed to prepare a full, delicious meal, such as Three Bean Chili Pasta and Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. These kits are available free of charge through the Western Iowa Tech Food Pantry, providing students with convenient, ready-to-make meals that help address food insecurity. The Food Pantry is open to all WIT students with a valid student ID.
The Culinary department prioritizes supporting one another and the wider campus community, often using class projects to give back. Students hosted a Gourmet Sandwich Lunch and a Dessert Drive, serving chef-crafted lunches and homemade baked goods for employees. These events not only provided a great lunch break for staff but also allowed the program to use their culinary skills for a cause. Together, the two fundraisers generated a $250 donation and helped purchase additional ingredients for the Food Pantry and meal kit program. Students in baking and culinary courses regularly prepare a variety of goods used for these drives and other campus initiatives, combining their classroom learning with meaningful community support.
"Supporting our campus community through food-related projects gives our students meaningful, real-world experience," said Chef Gasaway, WIT Culinary Arts Program Coordinator. "They learn not only the technical skills of cooking and baking but also the importance of generosity and teamwork. These experiences connect what they're learning in class to the positive impact they can make in people's lives."
Through hands-on projects like these, Western Iowa Tech's Culinary Arts students gain real-world experience in meal planning, food preparation, and community service, all while bringing people together around food.
For additional information, contact:
Chef Gasaway, Culinary Arts Program Coordinator
mike.gasaway@witcc.edu | 712.317.3200
###
About the Culinary Arts Program
The Culinary Arts program at Western Iowa Tech Community College prepares students for careers in food service, hospitality, and culinary management. Students gain hands-on experience in professional kitchens while learning about menu planning, nutrition, baking, and global cuisine. Graduates are ready to work in restaurants, hotels, catering, and other areas of the food industry. Learn more about the program at witcc.edu/programs/243.
About the Western Iowa Tech Food Pantry
The WIT Food Pantry provides free groceries, snacks, and personal care items to students in need. By offering resources like meal kits and shelf-stable foods, the pantry helps reduce barriers to student success and promotes a healthy, supportive campus environment. Students with a valid WIT ID are welcome to visit the pantry 24/7, anytime they need access to food or essentials.