BCCC Students Please Palates at Eagle’s Wings Fundraiser

The funds went to a good cause and the honors to Beaufort County Community College’s culinary student Nick Sanders. His team of culinary students represented BCCC's Frances Morgan Roberson Culinary Arts Program at the Eagle's Wings Food Pantry's second annual Iron "Eagle" Chef fundraiser on Thursday, April 12 at the First Christian Church. Sanders, owner of the soon-to-open Hackney Distillery, took home both the People's Choice and the Judge's Choice awards. Instructor Paul Cyr assisted the group with this event.

All proceeds benefit Eagle’s Wings Food Pantry in its mission to alleviate hunger in Beaufort County. It is the largest food pantry in the county, assisting people suffering from food insecurity. The organization also distributes fresh vegetables that have been gleaned from fields across the state.

A recent project of the organization has been bringing fresh produce to Aurora, an area considered to be a food desert. The group has had about 50 families sign up to receive regular food deliveries.

Judges for the competition included Ann Marin, owner of the Meeting Place Café, Rachel Midgette, owner of Rachel K’s Bakery and Holly Alligood, nutritionist for Beaufort County Schools. Sander’s team was up against teams from Carryout by Chrislyn and Open Heart Country Kitchen. All meals had to use a secret ingredient, this year’s being sweet potato.

Students from Washington High School’s National Honor Society served entrees from each of the competing teams to participants. Participants then voted on their favorite meal. The panel of judges also voted on their favorite flavors.

Sanders’s team created a Thai-inspired pork dish with sweet potato, pickles and a ginger sauce. His team was comprised of other students from his culinary class at the community college, some of who plan to work in the Hackney Distillery.

“I was just beaming with pride as this class shined for the college,” said Penelope Radcliffe, human resources development and workforce director. Radcliffe oversees the culinary program.

None of the students knew each other before the start of the class, but through their time together, they have learned to work together—award-winningly well—to an extent where they hope to continue to this friendship and cooperation in the future.

For more information about the Frances Morgan Roberson Culinary Program, contact Penelope Radcliffe at penelope.radcliffe@beaufortccc.edu or 252-940-6307.