Parma City Schools hires chef as new farm

PARMA, Ohio -- The new school year brings a new farm-to-school coordinator to the Parma City Schools.

Brittnee Rourke was hired this summer to replace Emily Cass.

“I’m particularly excited because Brittnee is not only a chef, but also trained in that area, so she’ll be able to connect us with local producers to bring more local fresh fruits and vegetables into the schools,” said Parma City Schools Nutrition Services Supervisor Emily Gladish, who held the same position in 2021.

“She also has experience working with students through JVS (Lorain County Joint Vocational School).”

Rourke -- a trained chef and Lorain County Community College/Bowling Green State University graduate -- is tasked with turning local produce into scratch-made recipes at the district’s elementary and secondary sch