Date
Wednesday
Feb

February 5-9

Pride in Foodservice Week

Celebrate Pride in Foodservice Week, where we honor those who bring flavor and passion to our meals! Let's appreciate their tireless dedication.

Type
Week

Introduction

Spice up your calendar and save the date for the start of Pride in Foodservice Week commencing on February 5! As part of this exciting week-long celebration, we honor the heart and soul of the food industry - the dedicated foodservice workers who toil behind the scenes, making our meals memorable. Instituted by the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) in 1991, this vibrant event has been bringing foodservice professionals to the forefront, applauding their hard work, passion, and innovative flair. So, how about we take a moment to say a hearty 'Thank you' to these talented individuals who never fail to bring a song to our taste buds!

Pride in Foodservice Week Timeline

1800s
Rise of Foodservice Industry
During the 1800s, the foodservice industry begins to take shape, particularly in the United States and Europe.
1950
Emergence of Institutional Foodservice
By mid-century, institutional foodservice - including hospital, school, and military foodservices - proliferates, necessitating professional service practitioners.
1965
Dietary Managers Association Formation
The Dietary Managers Association (now ANFP) is established to advocate for excellence in foodservice management.
1991
First Pride in Foodservice Week
Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) institutes the first-ever Pride in Foodservice Week.
2000
Growing Recognition
Throughout the 2000s, the week gains prominence and recognition across the nation, celebrating the unsung heroes of the foodservice industry.
2022
Pandemic Solidarity
During the COVID-19 pandemic, foodservice workers' efforts are highlighted more than ever, reaffirming the importance of Pride in Foodservice Week.

How to Celebrate Pride in Foodservice Week

1

Throw a 'Foods of the World' potluck

Invite friends and family to prepare and bring a dish from a different culture or country. This way, everyone has the opportunity to taste various cuisines, while also sharing about the unique food traditions from around the globe.

2

Host a cooking demonstration

Enlist a local chef to give a cooking demonstration at your home or office. This not only offers entertainment and education, but also gives due credit to the experts in the food service industry.

3

Organize a culinary tour

Take a trip around the town visiting various restaurants, bakeries, and food trucks. Trying different types of food can be a great way of appreciating the diversity and creativity in the food service industry.

4

Visit a culinary school

A day spent at a culinary school demonstrates an appreciation for the training that food service professionals undergo. Most schools offer tours and, often, a meal prepared by the students themselves.

5

Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food bank

Show your support for those in the food service industry by giving back to the community. Many of these organizations rely on food service professionals to provide nourishment for those in need.

Why We Love Pride in Foodservice Week

A

Celebrates the Backbone of the Food Industry

Pride in Foodservice Week gives us a chance to recognize and applaud the dedication and skill of food service workers. These individuals are often hard at work behind the scenes, ensuring that we savor and enjoy memorable meals every day.

B

Promotes Food Diversity and Education

This week encourages us to explore various cuisines and learn more about food from different cultures. It promotes food education through cooking demonstrations, culinary tours and potlucks, presenting the incredible diversity and creativity in the food service industry.

C

Encourages Community Involvement

The week not only celebrates professionals in the food service industry, but also underlines the importance of food in community building. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or food bank within this week serves as a testament to the essential role that food service plays in supporting community wellbeing.