Food & Finance High School is home to an impressive variety of projects that could make any food lover swoon: the basement alone grows aquacultured tilapia and fifteen varieties of lettuce, and students graduate with National Restaurant Association certification and a high quality high school education to boot. The public school accepts students from all five boroughs, and over 90 percent come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Of their graduates, over 90 percent attend college or culinary school.
You may not be able to reverse time and apply as a student, but you can support the school through its largest source of funding: Small Plates, Big Hearts. The annual fundraising gala, which will take place at the Metropolitan Pavilion on March 9, will be hosted by chef Marc Murphy of Chopped. Participating restaurants include Telepan, Maialino and The Stanton Social among others, and every chef will be assisted by current students. You’ll also have the opportunity to try dishes prepared by FHHS alumni including Shania Thomas, the first winner of Teen Chopped.
“This is not only an incredible opportunity for people to learn more about our amazing students and their stories, but also a chance to expose many of our students to chefs, foods and experiences they might not otherwise get a chance to see,” Executive Director Jennifer Roesch told us. Tickets go on sale February 9, and you can find more information here.
