Real Milk California and the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFÉ) recognized Holyoke Community College’s Tracy Carter, culinary department chair and academic advisor, for expanding educational access, strengthening community partnerships, and reimagining how culinary education is delivered. 

Chef Carter’s work reflects her belief that innovation in culinary education is about creating systems that better support students, strengthen programs, and are responsive to the evolving needs of the industry and community.

Chef Carter implemented an educational program, the Culinary Learning Hub, that is a centralized, digital platform designed to reinforce in-person instruction and provide students with widely accessible learning materials. By combining hands-on instruction with structured digital reinforcement, this approach represents a new delivery model in the college’s program.

Beginning in Fall 2026, ENG 101 will be embedded within the Culinary Arts Institute, allowing students to complete foundational coursework within their learning environment. The course will be taught through a culinary lens, aligning writing instruction with students’ academic and professional interests.

Another innovative example comes from her program’s partnership with the United Way of Pioneer Valley, where her students serve up to 200 meals monthly to the community. Chef Carter also partnered with Springfield Symphony Orchestra, producing monthly curated platters for musical events.

Chef Carter received a $1,000 prize from Real California Milk and a commemorative plaque. Additionally, she received a complimentary registration to attend CAFÉ’s 2026 Leadership Conference held this summer in Chicago. 

Click here to go back to the 2026 CAFÉ award recipients list.