September 30, 2024 - Wednesday’s lunch at Blackburn Middle School was anything but ordinary on September 25, as hundreds of students enjoyed a special menu created by Celebrity Chef Nick Wallace, in collaboration with US Foods.
The menu featured smoked chicken, braised brisket, roasted cauliflower, honey cornbread, and white chocolate bread pudding.
While the students thoroughly enjoyed the food, they were even more excited about meeting Wallace in person. Wallace, a Blackburn graduate, had recommended his alma mater to US Foods when the company approached him about sponsoring a school during National Hunger Awareness Month in September. “I consider Blackburn the pillar of my success,” Wallace said. “Middle school is really when you can inspire creativity in a child’s mind.”
When asked by local media if he would consider expanding this initiative to other public schools, Wallace expressed interest. “I tell everybody about Mississippi, so yes, maybe one day I could create recipes and be involved with shaping what the school food system looks like,” he said.
Wallace has been featured on several "best chef" lists and has competed on shows such as "Top Chef" and "Chopped."
