ACF Minneapolis Chef's Chapter

09/30/2026

September 13 marks Sue Zelicksson’s birthday and is officially proclaimed Sue Zelickson Day in Minnesota. Beginning now

and continuing through October 13, Women Who Really Cook invites Minnesota’s food and hospitality community to Carry It Forward.

Donate a portion of sales to a meaningful cause. Organize a volunteer opportunity or fundraising dinner. Mentor someone beginning their career. Share your expertise. Make an introduction that opens a door. Or simply take an interest in someone who could use a little help.

Participants may choose to support causes important to Sue, including the Sue Zelickson Scholarship Fund, Cookie Cart American Cancer Society or Second Harvest Heartland Or find any other way to make a difference. The possibilities are endless.

09/30/2026

You’re invited! 🩷

Join Women Who Really Cook on Tuesday, October 13 at The Lynhall for the WWRC Carry It Forward Fundraiser, an evening of connection, generosity, and community benefiting the Sue Zelickson Scholarship Fund.

The fundraiser marks the culmination of our month-long Carry It Forward initiative, inspired by WWRC founder Sue Zelickson and the way she lived: making connections, opening doors, seeing the potential in people, and helping bring their ideas to life.

On October 13, we’ll carry her example forward by helping open doors for the next generation.

Throughout the evening, we will shine a light on the remarkable young women who have received the Sue Zelickson Scholarship. We’ll hear about their studies, where they hope to go next, and how our community can help them get there through mentorship, connections, encouragement, opportunities, or financial support.

Come enjoy a casual, cocktail-style gathering with appetizers and desserts from local food partners including D'Amico Hospitality Chowgirls Catering Cafe Latte Diane’s Place and The Grocer’s Table , a cash bar, and plenty of time to connect with friends and peers from across Minnesota’s food and hospitality community.

📅 Tuesday, October 13 | 6–9 PM
📍 The Lynhall Lyndale | Minneapolis
🎟️ Registration is open! Link in bio.

WWRC members, friends, and the broader food and hospitality community are all welcome.

**Space is limited, so register early!**

We hope you’ll join us and carry it forward together. 🩷

09/30/2026

Good news, educators – You’ve got extra time!

The deadline for the Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grants has been extended to Monday, September 28th! 🗓️

If you are looking to upgrade your culinary equipment, stock up on kitchen supplies, cover student certifications, or bring a ProStart program to your school for the upcoming year, this grant is designed for you.

Don't let $5,000 leave the table for your classroom! Take advantage of the extra time to finish up your submission. Apply now before the application closes on September 28th: https://bit.ly/4hfHQqw

09/30/2026

09/22/2026

09/22/2026

Thank You Chefs 🧑‍🍳👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

Happy ! This week, we celebrate you, the chefs and culinary leaders who shape our profession. Your innovation, excellence, and dedication elevate the culinary industry and inspire the next generation. Thank you for leading with passion and purpose. We're honored to support your growth and success. 👩🏽‍🍳🧑🏿‍🍳👨🏻‍🍳

09/22/2026

Ready for the next step in your culinary journey? Applications are now open for Hormel Foods and Culinary Institute of America's Culinary Enrichment and Innovation Program (CEIP). CEIP is an immersive program designed to help experienced chefs expand their skills, grow their network and bring fresh ideas back to their teams. Visit https://bit.ly/4jabnof to learn more!

09/22/2026

Culinary educators, it’s time to put your students’ culinary knowledge to the test! 🏆

Assemble a team of three to five culinary students for the 2027 Culinary Knowledge Bowl, a fast-paced, “Jeopardy-style” competition covering safety and sanitation, cooking techniques, baking and pastry, nutrition, management, and more.

Students and coaches must be active ACF members. Apply to compete by Dec. 31, 2026, and learn more at bit.ly/CulinaryKnowledgeBowl.