Charleston schools partner with FLIK Independent School Dining for culinary competition to raise funds for local nonprofits

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CHARLESTON, SC – Students from Porter-Gaud School, Charleston Collegiate School, and Charleston Day School recently gathered for a friendly (and tasty!) culinary competition, raising funds for local nonprofits, thanks to a “Food Fight” program spearheaded by FLIK Independent School Dining (FISD), the on-site dining provider for all three schools and leader in independent school dining, nutrition education, and hospitality services.

In partnership with FISD, each school’s team of representatives worked alongside their respective chefs for the last few weeks to learn culinary fundamentals including recipe creation, menu preparation, cooking terminology, and knife safety and skills. On May 8, their training came together for a culinary competition of epic proportions, with creations tasted and judged by Chef & Owner of Charleston’s da Toscano, Michael Toscano, and FISD’s VP of Operations, Adam Byrne. Celebrity chef and Food Network star, Aarti Sequeira, served as master of ceremonies.

“Our mission is to nourish a brighter future,” said Sari Feltman, President of FLIK Independent School Dining. “Innovative and engaging programming like ‘Food Fight’ helps introduce students to the world of culinary and nutrition in a fun way while also creating an amazing sense of community. We are grateful for this opportunity to empower students with knowledge, instill confidence, and create an experience for all participants that deepens connections and a sense of belonging.”

Part knowledge retention and trivia, part culinary competition, these teams of students worked together, putting their problem-solving, leadership, and team-building skills to the test to create Spiced Southern Corn Cakes with Slaw and Chicken Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice.

“The Food Fight cooking competition is a great complement to our school’s academic program. Cooking involves creative problem-solving, math skills, troubleshooting kitchen mishaps, and adapting to ingredient substitutions. These are life skills we reinforce with our students every day. Plus, it’s a fun way to learn and reinforce teamwork,” said Judith Foley Arnstein, Head of School, at Charleston Day School.

In the end, Porter-Gaud had the culinary chops to handle the heat of this epic Food Fight. In addition to their bragging rights, $1,000 will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston in their name. Over 60% of the donation will be provided by FLIK Independent School Dining with the remaining portion coming from donations collected at the door of the event.

About FLIK Independent School Dining
FLIK Independent School Dining, a division of FLIK Hospitality Group, is a leader in hospitality services, student dining, and nutrition education. Our delicious meals with a wellness-first approach are served to over 200 private and independent schools nationwide. Founded on the principles of great food, great service, and great people, FLIK Independent School Dining provides delicious, nutritious food with made-from-scratch menus that support local and sustainable agricultural practices.

About Porter-Gaud
Porter-Gaud School is a Charleston, S.C.-based Episcopal, co-educational, college preparatory day school serving more than 1,000 students in grades 1-12. The O’Quinn Schools of Porter-Gaud serves an additional 600 preschool students from age two through kindergarten at its Mount Pleasant and James Island campuses. With a rich history spanning more than 150 years, Porter-Gaud has established itself as one of the leading independent schools in the Southeast. Guided by an exceptional and caring faculty, Porter-Gaud students discover their unique gifts and talents and are passionate about sharing them with the world. Learn more at www.portergaud.edu.

About Charleston Collegiate
Charleston Collegiate School is a PS3-12 co-educational, nonsectarian, independent school in the Charleston area and is a member of the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Nestled under grand, moss-laden live oaks, Charleston Collegiate School offers a 50+ acre campus of vast playing fields and wooded trails. This unique environment allows students to embrace nature while growing into conscious leaders that are challenged by rigorous project-based learning. Charleston Collegiate School’s mission is to empower students in a project-based approach that values collaboration, innovation, and individuality to become resilient leaders for 21st century careers. Learn more at www.charlestoncollegiate.org.

About Charleston Day
Charleston Day School is a co-ed private school for grades K-8 located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district with a mission to foster scholarship, integrity, respect, and responsibility in our students. The school partners with families to provide a superior academic, artistic, athletic, and ethical foundation, preparing each student for a lifetime of achievement. Learn more at www.charlestondayschool.org.