By Madie Murray

Special to the Sounder

The Farm to Cafeteria “Celebrity Chef” lunch days start Septe. 16 with Mia Kartiganer of Mia’s Cafe.

She will be serving lasagna with veggies and fruit dessert to all having lunch in the school cafeteria that day. Friends and family of K-12 students, teachers and administrators are all invited to have lunch with the kids.

Upcoming chefs include Anne Garfield of Rose’s in October, Lisa Nakamura of Allium in November, Madden of The Quilted Pig at Rosario in December, Charles Dalton of The Kitchen in January, Geddes Martin of Ship Bay in February, Bobby Olmsted of Cafe Olga in March, David Mowry of Country Corner in April and Christina Orchid of Red Rabbit Farm in April.

These incredible chefs dedicate several hours of their time prior to the day of their lunch working with the cafeteria staff developing the menu and preparing the fresh local items that will be served. Then, on the day of the lunch, they are again working hand-in-hand with the cafeteria staff to cook and personally serve the lunch to 300+ students, parents and teachers. It is a win/win event where local, well-known chefs and community “foodies” have the opportunity to personally interface with the cafeteria staff, our public school students, teachers, administrators, parents and all who come to lunch that day.

Celebrity Chef lunches began in November of 2009 with Charles Dalton of The Kitchen. Since then it has become one of the Farm to Cafeteria stellar events. Any island amateur or professional chef wishing to participate is encouraged to call Farm to Cafeteria coordinator Bruce Orchid at 376-2608. The months of May and possibly early June 2011 are currently open.

Madie Murray is the Farm to Cafeteria committee chair.