 "Photo: The Olympian/Josh Nothnagle")
It was announced that an Olympic College chef instructor was chosen to go to the White House to take part in Michelle Obama’s “Chefs Move to Schools Program” May 25.
Chris Plemmons was chosen to be one of 100 chefs from across the country selected for “previously demonstrated volunteerism,” said the invitation.
The program is a part of the “Lets Move” campaign, a campaign to raise a healthier generation of children.
“Everybody has been supportive of me,” said Plemmons. “I think Olympic College is thrilled. I think it’s good for Bremerton and Kitsap County.”
Plemmons will be leaving Thursday and be in Washington D.C. Friday for a gathering on the South Lawn of the White House. The chefs in attendance will hear the first lady speak in person along with other celebrity speakers.
The Kent native was focused on community before he went to culinary school; he spent nine years working with runaways, abused and neglected children in Montana to try to prepare them for a productive and successful life.
“It was painful seeing the level of abuse and neglect some children have to go through,” said Plemmons. “You see a whole different lifestyle than most people see.”
When Plemmons was accepted to Western Culinary Institute he continued working with children as a probation officer.
“I’ve always enjoyed cooking from a young age,” said Plemmons. “It was mind-blowing to me how much more there is to food than what people think.”
Plemmons said he wants to take this knowledge of food and share it with children so they can start making better choices about what they eat.
“How we teach kids to make these decisions is what the program with Mrs. Obama is all about,” said Plemmons.
When he gets back Plemmons will be paired with a local school to begin working with them to educate their students in proper nutrition.
Plemmons said he looks forward to working with school administrators to find the school he would be able to help the most.
Before coming to OC, Plemmons commuted to Seattle to work in a training program for the homeless. He would go through food banks and make healthy recipes from the foods offered there.
“I enjoy food, I enjoy cuisine, and that’s why I enjoy teaching,” said Plemmons. “At first I didn’t believe it. I’m real excited to do this, it’s a real honor.”
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