Meal Services
7-Days a Week
Campus Dining, Culinary Programs & Youth Apprenticeships
Nutritious meals are essential for healthy growth, development, and success—especially for teens and young adults. That's why CCYA operates a full-time Campus Cafeteria that provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays during the school year, as well as brunch and dinner on weekends and throughout the summer months. Our experienced culinary team creates monthly menus that balance nutrition, student favorites, and fresh ingredients, including produce grown in our Blooming with Possibilities Campus Gardens. Every meal is designed to support the health, well-being, and enjoyment of the youth we serve.
Community Kitchens & Life Skills Development:
In addition to cafeteria dining, each residential program features a fully equipped community kitchen where youth can prepare their own meals and snacks. These kitchens are especially valuable for residents working part-time jobs with late schedules, preparing for independent living, or simply enjoying the experience of cooking and baking with friends. Our community kitchens also host:
- Cooking and nutrition classes
- Family-style dorm meals
- Culinary Arts Assisted Therapy sessions
- Independent living skill-building activities
These experiences help youth develop confidence, responsibility, and practical life skills that will serve them well into adulthood.
Snack Program:
Healthy snacks are available through the cafeteria after school and on weekends. CCYA relies heavily on community support to sustain this important program and distributes an average of 20,000 individually wrapped snacks each year. Donations of individually packaged snacks are always appreciated and help ensure safe, convenient distribution to our youth. To contribute, visit the Choose Your Donation Drive link below or contact Omara Ramsey at oramsey@ccyakids.org.
Meal Donations & Volunteer Opportunities:
Community members who would like to prepare a meal in our permitted commercial kitchen are welcome to volunteer. Donating a meal from a local restaurant is also a special treat that our teens greatly enjoy. For information about meal donations or volunteer cooking opportunities, please contact Kimberly Tinsley at ktinsley@ccyakids.org.
Cafeteria Apprenticeships:
CCYA youth who are interested in cooking and exploring careers in the culinary arts may have the opportunity to participate in paid apprenticeships within our cafeteria kitchen. Through this hands-on experience, apprentices learn essential kitchen operations, including organization, inventory management, stocking dry goods, food safety and sanitation practices, proper glove use, and basic sous chef food preparation techniques. Kitchen Apprentices work side-by-side with CCYA chefs, gaining valuable skills, mentorship, and real-world experience in a professional culinary environment.
After the global pandemic, CCYA's Kitchen faced ongoing challenges in sustaining a culinary workforce. Then in 2022, Chef Michelle Tiggs, Campus Meal Services Manager, joined the CCYA team and has been keeping the kitchen simmering smoothly ever since, making sure nutritious meals are served seven days a week for up to 40 young people and 7 in-ratio staff. Michelle works countless extra hours, prepares additional meals a head of serving, and continuously whips up training for new and changing cook staff. A mother of two boys herself, she understands the recipe for helping growing teens thrive — and CCYA youth appreciate her bold, flavorful cooking. Favorites like Chef Michelle's seafood boil, fried chicken with mac and cheese, Rasta pasta, chicken alfredo, and her hashbrown brunch casserole are always crowd-pleasers! She also champions the use of fresh organic produce and eggs from the campus gardens and chicken coop, bringing a true farm-to-table touch to every plate. Michelle's dedication, resilience, and heart have helped CCYA weather some of its toughest seasons in the kitchen. The Board of Directors, Executive Leadership, and the entire CCYA community are deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment and the care she pours into every meal.